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As you read the following situation, consider what you would do in Reg's situation:

Arnold, a friend under Reg's supervision, was a good person who tried hard but was ineffective at his present level of responsibility. But they had been friends and coworkers for a long time. So Reg's heart raced when he heard that Arnold had applied elsewhere. If he found another job on his own, it would solve a good many problems.

Then Reg got a call from the Apex Corporation personnel manager. He was sending a confidential reference form.

Reg dreaded filling out that form. He had no difficulty giving Arnold high marks in areas such as "harmonious in social relationships with others." But he was going to have trouble with categories like "dependability in completing assigned tasks" and "ability to make responsible decisions."

If Reg answered honestly, Arnold probably wouldn't get the job. That would make Arnold unhappy. And Reg would be stuck with him again. On the other hand, maybe Arnold's lackluster performance was the result of poor training and supervision in his current position. Maybe a new job is just what Arnold needed to blossom. So, Reg told himself, if I give him a high rating on this form, my little "fib" might be just what Arnold needs to pull himself together.

What would be the harm? Personnel directors often took references with a grain of salt. But there was his own reputation to consider, not only as a business executive but also as a Christian in the community. It was his duty to treat Apex Corporation fairly.

The Apex form concluded with "Our policy is to conduct a telephone follow-up to your written reference."

(Use the Scriptures and questions on Sunday to further consider this situation.)

—Carol J. Suter, a practicing attorney, now lives with her husband in Kansas City, Missouri.

Credits: Adapted from—Saturday: Book of Romance (Nelson, 1998)

Copyright © 2000 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity. For reprint information call 630-260-6200 or e-mail mail@menofintegrity.net.
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