“People with integrity walk safely,
but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.” Proverbs 10:9
but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.” Proverbs 10:9
Reuben Gonzales was in the final match of a pro racquetball tournament. In the 4th and final game, at match point, Gonzales made a super kill shot into the front wall to win the game. The referee called it good. Two linesman affirmed that the shot was in. But Gonzales, after a moments hesitation, turned around, shook his opponents hand, and declared that his shot had hit the floor first. As a result, he lost the match and walked off the court. Everybody was stunned. They couldn't believe that a player with everything officially in his favor, with victory at hand, disqualified himself at match point and lost!
When asked why he did it, Reuben said, "It was the only thing that I could do to maintain my integrity. I could always win another match, but I could never regain my lost integrity."
When asked why he did it, Reuben said, "It was the only thing that I could do to maintain my integrity. I could always win another match, but I could never regain my lost integrity."
One of the most precious things we possess is our reputation. Our good name. It takes a lifetime to build it up... but just one poor choice to ruin it. Most of us have daily opportunities to do one or the other... We either show the world that we have genuine Christ-like character or compromise our values and prove otherwise.
Think about your last five major decisions... were they God-honoring? Aligned with scripture? Honest?
...or did they damage your name (and the name of Jesus)?
You can always make more money, play another game, seize another opportunity, or take another chance. You can’t easily rebuild your reputation once you’ve damaged it. Today you will be faced with choices... opportunities to shine or shame... which will you choose? If you are a Christ-follower, remember that people are watching what you do when you have the opportunity to be dishonest. Stand tall... focus on Christ... and take the high road. God will bless you for your integrity and the world will learn from your example.
