Marcus Smart, age 19, is an influential, popular, and highly publicized personality in this part of Oklahoma. As a freshman basketball player at Oklahoma State University, Smart received a whole list of awards for his athletic skills (Big 12 Player of the Year, etc.). He has garnered enough national attention that he was a cinch to go in the first round of the NBA draft—some even projecting him as No. 1 in the draft! That would guarantee a multi-million-dollar bank account! That possibility has, in the past, tempted most young men in that position to leave school for the glitter and gold of NBA stardom! Marcus Smart has verbally turned it down in order to return next year to his academic pursuits at Oklahoma State.
His decision to so do, and why he came to that conclusion, is something every young person needs to note! First, note his measurement of money. “There’s much more to life than money. You can have all the money in the world and still be unhappy. If its meant to be, God has a plan”¹ He may yet obtain a multi-million dollar contract, but he trusts God can provide that in some tomorrow!
Second, to help him make that difficult decision, he relied on family, friends, and faith. His life has not been easy. He lost one brother to cancer, one to drugs, and lived in an environment that was a bullet-riddled community. He developed anger issues and some bouts with depression, as he grew up in a bad neighborhood. Dealing with all of that, he states that “faith is his one unfailing place to turn.” The apostle John verified that centuries ago as he wrote: “...this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith” (I John 5:4).
Third, his mother counseled him, knowing the decision was hard because both gaining the money (and fame) and returning to school were things he wanted! She suggested, “Go with your heart.” That wasn't exactly what he did. He said: “And I prayed that night and woke up the next morning, and talked to her and made my decision.” He included God in arriving at his decision.
Young people, you may never have a decision any bigger than Marcus Smart had—certainly not bigger financially!! But look back over the course he followed to make his decision. It might serve you well in your tomorrows! You may find something “Smart” in what was decided by Marcus Smart!
¹John Helsley, staff writer, The Oklahoman, “Decision To Return Increases The Rowdy,” Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, April 10, 2013, p. 6C. All the quotes are from John Helsley’s article (Except the quote from the apostle John).