God's Coaching #150

God's Coaching #150

Do you like to ride your bike? What’s the farthest you’ve ever ridden? How does riding 125 miles sound? Not too bad. Now do it every day for three weeks straight with many of the rides going over super-steep mountain passes. Pretty intense, huh? Welcome to the Giro d’Italia, Italy’s version of the Tour de France.

Ivan Basso was sure glad to be back at the 2010 Giro. Ivan had been banned from cycling for two years as part of a blood-doping scandal. (Blood doping is an illegal way to enhance the body’s performance by giving it extra oxygen.) Ivan had been a top rider before the scandal. He wanted to come back and prove to people that he was riding clean: no cheating, no doping. He expected that fans wouldn’t trust him, so he knew his only chance was complete honesty and transparency. He underwent regular blood tests like all cyclists, but Ivan posted all of his results online for everyone to see.

The Giro came down to the final few mountain stages. They were difficult climbs up steep mountains. That was where Ivan made his move to claim the lead. Two days later he won the race . . . this time with his integrity intact.

What’s the Score?

The world knew about Ivan’s failures. He knew it would take a long time for people to trust him again. But he was willing to take extra steps to help rebuild his reputation. If only he had kept his integrity true in the first place, he wouldn’t have had to prove anything.

Psalm 25:21 says, “May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.” We usually try to keep our sin a secret. We try to cover it up dishonestly. But honesty keeps our actions out in the open. Don’t cut corners even if doing so looks like a shortcut to success. Your truthful, consistent actions help give you a good reputation. Any dishonesty or cheating only leads to trouble.

On the Ball

What secrets are you hiding? How are you tempted to cut corners? Write down where you’re tempted. Seal the paper in an envelope. Then tear open the envelope as a symbol that you’re letting it out. Confess to a good friend or parent, and live your life in the open.

Coach’s Comment

May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:21