Above Reproach

 

What do you do when you’ve made a mistake at work that could cost you your job, the next promotion or a portion of your income? What if no one knows about the mistake, except you? Will you sweep it under the rug or will you acknowledge it? Just Recently, Cameron Tringale, a professional golfer, was faced with this question. Several days after playing in the final round of the PGA Championship, Tringale disqualified himself from the tournament, and, his honesty cost him $53,000. Tringale said, “While approaching the hole to tap in my three-inch bogey putt, the putter swung over the ball prior to tapping in. Realizing that there could be the slightest doubt that the swing over the ball should have been recorded as a stroke, I spoke with the PGA of America and shared with them my conclusion that the stroke should have been recorded”. No one noticed it including his playing partners, caddie or any rules official. In fact, if Tringale hadn’t said a word, odds are no one would have thought about his bogey on the 65th hole of the tournament ever again. When asked about his decision to disqualify himself, Tringale responded, “I always try and live my life above reproach”.  

The dictionary defines “reproach” as shame or disgrace or that which brings rebuke or censure upon a person. The Bible speaks of being “above reproach” or “blameless” as one of the distinctive marks of a Christian. In Philippians 1:10, Paul admonishes believers to live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return (NLT). He continues in Philippians 2:15 saying we are light bearers and that as God’s children we are to be blameless and harmless, without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Indeed, our colleagues in the workplace are watching to see what we, as Christians, will do. Will we hide our mistakes, hold our tongue or respond to others in a Christ-like manner? Just as importantly, living above reproach requires we do the right thing at all times…even when no one else is watching.

Your workplace challenge as a believer at work is to do the right thing regardless of who is watching. Make it your aim to live above reproach and to maintain the high moral standard that Jesus has called you to. Avoid compromising your faith or your Christian witness and live a blameless life to the glory of God.

By Charles Ligon

Member of Crucial Conversations