Feb. 8, 2010 — Truth-telling

Imagine watching an NBA basketball game. The center, playing defense, blocks a shot and no foul is called. However, the center proceeds to tell the referee that he has committed a foul. Fat chance.

In golf there is a different ethic. The players call the penalties on themselves. So what do we learn from this practice? That the burden of truth-telling is on us.

In our relationships, we're not trying to get away with something. Mistakes and errors in judgment are part of being human. We whiff some decisions.

But golf, and faith, teaches us that telling the truth about our fouls is not only honorable, but in doing so, we establish a trust that is critical for great relationships.

Just a thought. I'm Sid Batts from First Presbyterian Church in downtown Greensboro, fpcgreensboro.org.