Reputation = Pass… Integrity = Fail

I didn’t get involved in the whole Tiger Woods thing because I didn’t consider it any of my business.  I don’t put celebrities/athletes on a pedestal because they are human and make mistakes.  I don’t want to contribute to the elevation of their status as role models because they are destined to struggle, stumble and fail just like each of us.

However, while attending a conference last month, a minister brought up a great point that applied to the Tiger Woods situation as well as to many of our lives.  He surmised that if we were to grade Tiger on his Reputation he would receive an A+.  In the eyes of his sponsors, endorsers, competitors and fans, he was doing all of the right things.  He played beautiful rounds of golf.  He smiled handsomely for the camera.  He had a beautiful family and never said or did anything to cause us to question his character. 

His Integrity, on the hand, would have failed in our school of life.  You see your integrity is based on your honor, honesty and ability to be truthful.  Tiger’s problem is much like ours.  We have become so good at looking the part and acting the part for others but when we come home and take off our masks, we are also failing Integrity.  We often lie to get what we want, some are cheating on our mates while others committing acts that I dare not describe.

I would be remiss to let any of you think that I am an honor student in life but Integrity is one class that I desperately plan to pass.  Your integrity should not be judged in the eyes of man because it is no one else’s business.  Your integrity is what should help you sleep well at night, be able to look others squarely in eyes when you speak and to walk with your head held high.  If you ever find that your grades in Reputation and Integrity are disproportionate; get a tutor because if you fail in life, you are not guaranteed to be able to retake the class.