As fading PGA stars Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson pass the torch to Rory Mcilroy and Jordan Spieth, several player careers often go unnoticed. While human interest stories like Erik Compton, a heart transplant recipient received attention after his second place finish at the 2014 U.S, Open, television coverage typically ignores mediocre players. Nonetheless, golf is a gentleman’s game, with participants responsible for reporting rules infractions. Thus, even when the cameras aren’t present, a spirit of integrity prompts many professionals to turn themselves in so to speak.
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight, Proverbs 12:22.
This is where three time winner Scott Stallings takes honesty to a whole new level. Following a bout with chronic fatigue, sleeping up to 16 hours a day, a doctor reminded a prescription to address this condition. Unfortunately for Stallings, this drug was on the P.G.A. tour’s banned substance list. After doing some research, Scott recently realized his lapse in judgment. Therefore, Stallings acted upon his convictions, notifying the commissioner of his mistake. The penalty for turning himself in, Stallings received a three month suspension effective immediately.
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices, Colossians 3:9.
In this moral climate, a sense of entitlement exists as if to say, “its only wrong if you get caught.” However, for Stallings, at least he will be able to sleep at night, knowing the right thing was done. The only comparison I think of is reactions following the Passion of the Christ. In the days preceding the release of the Passion of the Christ, 2004, convicted hearts began to publicly confess sins of the past. In fact, a few criminals turned themselves in to the authorities. Perhaps, the honesty of Scott Stallings will inspire others to come forward and make this country a better place to live.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 