Baby Baseball Godly Truth

A few years back, Sports Illustrated ran a story on a T-ball game in Wellington, Florida, where a seven-year-old first baseman, Tanner Munsey, fielded a ground ball and tried to tag a runner going from first to second. The umpire, Laura Benson, called the runner out. But young Tanner immediately went to the umpire and said, "Ma'am, I didn't touch him." The umpire reversed her decision and sent the runner back to second base. Tanner's coach awarded him the game ball for his honesty.  Two weeks later, Laura Benson was again the umpire, and Tanner Munsey was playing shortstop when a similar play occurred. This time, Benson ruled that Tanner had missed the tag on the 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, sensing that Tanner was troubled, asked Tanner, "Did you tag the runner?" He said, "Yes." Benson called the runner out! The opposing coach came roaring onto the field in protest, but Laura Benson explained to him what had happened two weeks earlier.  "If a kid is that honest," she said, " I have to give it to him".  (Story from Sports Illustrated article  9-16-93) 

A pearl to string:  It may be that no Christian characteristic has suffered more in our society than honesty. It's lacking in the workplace, it's lacking in many of our marriages, it's lacking in our government, and sometimes it's even lacking in our churches. There is something about Christians that should stand out like a neon sign on a dark night.   Jesus wants his people to be known as a people of truth. We should establish a reputation, like Tanner, for speaking the truth even when it would not benefit us. Then, and only then, will those around us trust what we say without hesitation, without wondering whether we really mean what we say or not. 

"What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself".  (Ephesians 4:25 MSG) 

Some lessons are tougher than others. If your heart wants to change and turn towards God... that's good!  If you feel condemned.... just know that is NOT God's way.

In Him you are loved,

                              Lyndi