Once a peevish old fellow boarded a train, occupied the best seat, and then tried to reserve still another for himself by placing his luggage upon it. Just before the crowded vehicle stated, a teenage boy came running up and jumped aboard.
"This car is full," said the man irritably; "that seat next to me is reserved for a friend of mine who has put his bag there."
The youth paid no attention but sat down saying, "All right, I'll stay here until he come."
He placed the suitcase upon his knees while the elderly man glared at him in vain. Of course, the "friend" didn't appear, and soon the train began to move. As it glided past the platform, the young fellow tossed the bag through the open window remarking, "Apparently your friend has missed the train. We mustn't let him lose his luggage too!"
With a horrified expression on his face the old gentleman began to fume and sputter. The lie had cost him his possessions!
We live in a culture where truth is sacrificed on the altar of convenience and circumstance. Those little lies that may help us avoid responsibility or accountability at the moment may seem innocuous and of little consequence, but they chip away at our character. It is easier than being straightforward and honest. As in the story above, while building character may be costly, there is most definitely a price to be paid for the lack of it.
© 2003, John C. Fitts, III. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted from Grace Drops, Volume I (2003).