Your Word Is Your Bond

“Your word is your bond.” My mom said it so often that I can never forget it. My parents were very clear about the importance of character and taught us to choose friends we could trust.

That lesson must have stuck with me, because I have friends of all ages, races, and backgrounds, but I don’t hang around people I can’t trust. I also hired coaching staffs with that in mind. I always wanted coaches and players who would represent the team well, both on and off the field.

As far as I’m concerned, this is the only way to have a successful team. Ability and talent can’t make up for a lack of character. And that applies not only to sports, but to every area of life. In any joint effort—family, work, church, or any other aspect of life—we have to have unwavering trust in each other. I have to be able to depend on you to follow through on what you say, and you have to be able to depend on me to do the same.

We are far more effective in life when we believe it’s important to be honest all the time, not just to avoid getting caught in a lie; when we realize winning at all costs isn’t worth it when the cost is our integrity; and when we understand that there really is a God who rewards good character.

His Promises

A truthful witness saves lives,

but a false witness is a traitor.

Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.

There are six things the LORD hates—

no, seven things he detests:

haughty eyes,

a lying tongue,

hands that kill the innocent,

a heart that plots evil,

feet that race to do wrong,

a false witness who pours out lies,

a person who sows discord in a family. . . .

Obey your father’s commands,

and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.