In December of 2001, George O’Leary became the new head football coach at Notre Dame. Five days later coach O’Leary resigned after admitting to falsifying parts of his academic and athletic background on his resume. It was a great embarrassment to one of the most prestigious universities in the world. We live in a society where people will do anything for success. It seems as though those with integrity to do things the right way are fast becoming an endangered species. I found the following short story that I think you’ll enjoy.
An aging King realized that if he died he has no one to take over the throne. He decided to adopt a son. He launched a competition and 10 boys made it to the top. The King said to them, “I have one last test and whoever comes top will become my adopted son and heir to my throne”.
He gave each boy a seed of corn and told them to take the seed home, plant and nurture it for 3 weeks. The 10 boys took their seeds and ran home to plant their seeds. In one home, the boy and his parents were sad when the seed failed to sprout. The boy had done everything but he failed. His friends advised him to buy a seed and plant it but his God fearing parents who had always taught him honesty refused. The day came and the 10 boys went to the palace. All the 9 boys were successful.
The King went to each boy asking – “Is that what came out of the seed I gave you?” And each boy said “Yes, your majesty”. The King would nod and move down the line until the last boy in the line who was shaking with fear. The King asked him – “What did you do with the seed I gave you?” The boy said “I planted it and cared for it your majesty but it failed to sprout.” The King went to the throne with the boy and said, “I gave these boys boiled seeds and a boiled seed cannot sprout. If a King must have one quality, it must be honesty and only this boy passed the test.” By Willy West.
How many people out there have achieved success the wrong way? How many people are occupying top positions yet they stole the certificates? How many people are successful out there at all costs? Be faithful to God and maintain integrity no matter what life throws at you, even if life gives you boiled seed. Proverbs 10:9 – People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.
“Dear Lord, help us be men and women of integrity at all times and in all areas of our lives. Help us to lead others down the right path – the path that leads to you. Forgive us when we fall short. It’s in Jesus name I pray, Amen.”