AJ Griffin gives up his high-paying career with the NBA to follow God.
Achieving fame and fortune is the ultimate dream for most people. Unfortunately, many will go to great lengths-legal or otherwise-and sacrifice nearly everything in their lives for an opportunity to become wealthy and famous. That's why when someone achieves this dream and this goal and turns their back on money and fame, it can leave many confused and confounded.
The Young Man Steps Away From The NBA And A Life Of Fame And Fortune
So, when AJ, a 21-year-old professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks, decided to retire unexpectedly, many were probably immediately confused and taken aback. Did he suffer a career-ending injury? That was more than likely what most people believed caused the young man to give up a lucrative basketball career.
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But that was not the case at all.
In a video posted on YouTube, the young man explains his reasoning for stepping away from basketball. Instead, and not because of an injury, AJ gave up basketball to serve his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to go into ministry full-time.
"To bring it all down, in a short summary: I gave up basketball to follow Jesus," AJ said. "And I know that in a lot of people's eyes that seems like, that seems like a loss in the world's eyes. But I just want to let you guys know that I'm super excited because I truly get to serve God, you know, with my full yes."
Later in the clip, AJ states retiring from the NBA was what he needed to do to serve the Lord "with all my heart, with all my time, too."
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Basketball Took A Back Seat In AJ’s Life After Accepting Christ In 2020
In the video, after explaining why he gave up basketball, AJ shows how this decision was not something that happened overnight. He then explains the steps as to how he made to make this change in life.
In 2020, AJ gave his life to Jesus Christ, calling it "the best decision of my life."
"He found me," AJ said. "I know we say, ‘We found God,' but He finds us."
From that point forward, Christ started to work in AJ's heart and life. He says that his heart and values began to change. Basketball, a big part of his life, took a back seat and was no longer his top priority.
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According to The EPOCH Times, AJ played one season for Duke University, leading them to the final four, before entering the NBA. In the 2022 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets took him 16th overall.
AJ Is Excited For The Future Christ Has In Store For Him
In the description of the YouTube video in which AJ explains his reasoning for stepping away from basketball, he writes about his excitement for the future.
"I'm looking forward to the plans God has for me up ahead, to share his good news of Salvation and a closer relationship with Jesus," he writes.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." – Romans 12:2
WATCH: AJ Griffin Explains Why He Stepped From The NBA To Serve Jesus Christ
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h/t: YouTube.com/AJ Griffin & The Epoch Times
Featured Image Credit: YouTube.com/AJ Griffin
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