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"He must become greater; I must become less"

(John 3:30). Bonus Reading: Isaiah 30:21

Dan Coats served eight years in the House of Representatives. When Dan Quayle became U.S. vice president, Coats won a special election to serve the remainder of Quayle's Senate term. He was elected to serve a full six-year term in 1992. Coats understood the nature of political power and influence and made good use of it. But in 1998, he decided not to run for a second full term. Why?

During his tenure in government, Coats developed some strong convictions. He learned something about how the most profound changes occur in a life, a community, a culture. The most fundamental issues, he discovered, can only be addressed in one-on-one encounters. He set aside the prestige and power of national government and now serves as president of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization.

He made his decision based on convictions that were rooted deep in his understanding of who he was. Leaders [like Coats] recognize that some values transcend the bottom lines of power and wealth; they live for the affirmation of God instead.

—Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol & Ken McElrath in The Ascent of a Leader

Are you motivated more by God's approval than by status?

Never be afraid to do what God tells you to do—it's always good.

Martin Cronk (PASTOR)

Credits: Adapted from--Tuesday: The Ascent of a Leader (Jossey-Bass, 1999)

1999 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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