In October 1985, Reuben Gonzales was playing in the final match of a professional racquetball tournament. It was Gonzales' first shot at a victory on the pro circuit, and he was playing the perennial champion.
In the fourth and final game, at match point, Gonzales made a super "kill" shot into the front wall to win it all. The referee called it good. One of the two linesmen affirmed that the shot was in. But Gonzales, after a moment's hesitation, turned around, shook his opponent's hand, and declared that his shot had "slapped" into the wall, hitting the court floor first. As a result, he lost the match. He walked off the court.
Everybody was stunned.
The next issue of National Racquetball Magazine displayed Reuben Gonzales on its front cover. The story searched for an explanation of this first-ever occurrence on the professional racquetball circuit. Who could ever imagine it in any sport or endeavor? A player, with everything officially in his favor, with victory in his hand, disqualified himself at match point and lost!
When asked why he did it, Reuben replied, "It was the only thing I could do to maintain my integrity."
Reuben Gonzales realized that he could always win another match, but he could never regain his lost integrity
"Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity; And I have trusted in the Lord without wavering." Psalms 26:1
Dear God, Please give me the courage to stand by my convictions, maintain integrity, and live honestly - before men and you. gratefully in Jesus' name.
Amen
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