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Key Bible Verse: It is God who gives us, along with you, the ability to stand firm for Christ (2 Corinthians 1:21). Bonus Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:17–23

The university had just managed to squeak through a very tough financial year. As CEO I'd asked everyone to share in the sacrifices required to balance the budget. Many expenditure cuts had been needed, including a six-month delay in staff salary increases. But we ended the year in the black.

The board wanted to reward my leadership. They knew I was being recruited by other organizations and that the year ahead looked strong, so they decided to give me a significant compensation boost. I thanked them for the intent of their affirmation but urged them to reconsider.

I needed to demonstrate fidelity to the fairness values we'd invoked for the whole organization, even when it would have been easy to hide behind the justifiable action of the board. The board concurred, offering me deferred income if future financial results supported it instead.

I found out later that the faculty was indeed watching for a CEO who would share the sacrifice and a board that would risk losing their CEO. During the planning process for the next year, broad discretion was granted to the administration and board— a reward for simple integrity.

—Richard Kriegbaum in Leadership Prayers

My Response: Would others see me as fair and impartial? Why or why not?

Thought to Apply: My worth to God in public is what I am in private. —Oswald Chambers (British teacher and chaplain)

Adapted from Leadership Prayers (Tyndale, 1998) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Sovereign Lord, keep me from envying the accomplishments of others. Instead, make me grateful for and content with the gifts You've entrusted to me.

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