God's Coaching #223

God's Coaching #223

Zach Nash was on top of the world. The 14-year-old had won a junior Wisconsin PGA tournament. He was proud. Later that day, as he talked with one of his golf mentors, they discovered 15 clubs in Zach’s bag. Golf rules allow a golfer to carry only 14 clubs in a tournament. The penalty strokes Zach should have been charged would have kept him from winning.

What should I do? Zach thought. He could keep quiet and keep his medal. After all, Zach hadn’t used the extra club. It belonged to a friend who had stuck it in Zach’s bag the day before. But he knew golf prides itself on honesty and fair play. Zach was so upset he couldn’t help but cry. That night Zach called PGA officials, told them what had happened, and surrendered his medal. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right decision. In the next tournament he played in, Zach counted his clubs three times.

What’s the Score?

What would you do? Keep quiet and keep your trophy or do the right thing and follow the rules? When no one is looking, it’s tempting to make a bad decision. Satan often tempts us with the lie “No one will know.” But lies and dishonesty have a way of always getting discovered sooner or later.

God calls us to live truthfully all the time. Jesus taught us, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones” (Luke 16:10). In other words, when we handle little situations honestly, we show that we’re ready for bigger responsibilities. You might have heard something like that from your parents. That’s good advice. Follow through on the little things in your life, such as finishing homework or cleaning your room. By being faithful in these little actions, you develop good habits. And remember to tell the truth always, especially when no one is looking.

On the Ball

Are you hiding any lies or dishonesty? Come clean by confessing them today.

Coach’s Comment

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. Luke 16:10