Rick Raises the Bar
Theme of the Week: Dependent but Confident
Erwin McManus
Thursday, January 10, 2008
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: "But those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted" Matthew 23:12. Bonus Reading: 1 Corinthians 16:15-16
During the next Wed-nesday night service, I invited Rick to the podium. As he spoke in terms of failure, sorrow for sin, and repentance, a hushed silence spread through the building. Everyone assumed a significant violation—adultery, say, or embezzlement. But as he went on to explain that he'd carelessly neglected his responsibility to be at the leadership retreat, you could feel the relief in the air.
At the same time, the genuineness of Rick's humility established a level of respect for spiritual leadership like we'd never known. Rick managed a two-billion-dollar investment firm. He became living proof that individuals of great power can live comfortably with spiritual submission.
After Rick stepped down, I thanked him for his willingness to be a person under authority. I then asked the congregation if this wasn't exactly the kind of person we wanted as an elder. I moved to immediately reinstate him.
By acclamation, we recalled Rick to his position of spiritual leadership. He serves as an elder at Mosaic to this day and is one of my closest friends and partners in ministry.
—Erwin McManus in Uprising
My Response: What does a man of authority's willingness to submit to authority say about his character?
Thought to Apply: Humility is the obverse side of confidence in God, whereas pride is the obverse side of confidence in self. —John Baillie (Scottish theologian)
Adapted from Uprising (Word, 2003) by permission.
Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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Lord, combine in my life self-effacing humility and quiet confidence in your power.
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