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Key Bible Verse: I had to oppose him publicly, speaking strongly against what he was doing, for it was very wrong (Galatians 2:11). Bonus Reading:Ezra 9:1-15

Two rival high school basketball teams were going at it fast and furious. Late in the first half, a guard for one team stole the ball and headed for an easy layup. But before he could shoot, an opponent caught him and sent him crashing to the floor.

For some reason, the referee failed to call this flagrant foul. But the coach of the offending player noticed. He pulled him out of the game, put his arm around him, and told him that kind of play is unacceptable.

Leadership like that is rare. It takes a person of courage to stand up in a crowd, admit that there's wrongdoing on his side, and then take steps to correct it.

Ezra was that kind of leader. When he was told "Many of the people of Israel, and even some of the priests and Levites have not kept themselves separate" (9:1), he reacted with deep sorrow. He confronted the wrong and identified with the people, confessing the sin.

"Oh my God," he said as he fell on his knees before the Lord, "I am utterly ashamed; … our guilt has reached to the heavens" (v. 6).

You can follow with confidence a leader who'll take responsibility—even in a bad situation.

—Dave Branon in Power Up!

My Response: A wrong that I need to acknowledge and address is …

Thought to Apply: Do what is right, not what you think headquarters wants or what you think will make you look good.

—Norman Schwarzkopf (general in the Gulf War)

Adapted from Sports Spectrum Power Up! (9-10/01) by permission

Copyright © 2002 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Dear God, grant me the resolve to make the changes needed to become a man of influence for You.

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