Golfer Chelsee Richard, of Bloomingdale High School in Brandon, Florida, lost her chance to win the 2004 state championship-by being honest. In the qualifier for the state finals, Chelsee hit her tee shot on the second hole into the rough. Without knowing it, she played another golfer's ball out of the rough and finished the hole. On the third hole, she realized what she had done. The rule is that a golfer must declare the wrong ball penalty before putting on the hole where the infraction occurred, or be disqualified.

 

Drawing strength from her favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13, Chelsee reported her error, a painful ending to her senior season and her dream of going to state. She later said: "With my faith and with God, being honest was the most important thing to me, and that's what is going to advance on throughout my life, being honest and making the right choices."

 

"I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Phillipians 4:13

 

Honesty doesn't always bring immediate rewards...sometimes it eliminates us from the "game," but it's always the right choice.  

 

 

Have a great day and God bless!

 

 

Pastor Mike / The Open Word