June 30, 2004

[Rev. Doc]

Honesty

"A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies."
Proverbs 12:17

To be honest with everyone about everything enables others to see the truths in all areas of our lives. When we have fostered trust in this way, our testimonies will have the greatest impact on this lost world.

The game was played in Wellington, Florida. In it, a seven-year-old first baseman, Tanner Munsey, fielded a ground ball and tried to tag a runner going from first to second base.

The umpire, Laura Benson, called the runner out, but young Tanner immediately ran to her side and said, "Ma'am, I didn't tag the runner." Umpire Benson reversed herself, sent the runner to second base, and Tanner's coach gave him the game ball for his honesty.

Two weeks later, Laura Benson was again the umpire and Tanner was playing shortstop when a similar play occurred. This time Benson ruled that Tanner had missed the tag on a runner going to third base, and she called the runner safe. Tanner looked at Benson and without saying a word, tossed the ball to the catcher and returned to his position.

Benson sensed something was wrong. "Did you tag the runner?" She asked Tanner.

His reply: "Yes."

Benson then called the runner out. The opposing coaches protested until she explained what had happened two weeks earlier.

"If a kid is that honest," she said, "I have to give it to him.

Prayer: Ask God's Spirit to help you strive to live an honest life, that your testimony for Him will shine."

"I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man."
~George Washington