Grounded

Across the parade field spanning more than the length of a football field, flags of every unit fluttered in the breeze. Though the July temperature was chilly, the sun broke through as if to announce this was a joyous occasion. Soldiers moved in unison to snappish bugle commands. The crisp roar of measured cannon fire honored the presence of I-Corps' three-star commander. When the band played it was not hard to sit up straighter and admire the formations of men and women sworn to defend their nation's Constitution.

Earlier in the morning, in a gathering that included about 30 of his West Point classmates, Bob Brown received his third star-pinned by his wife and daughters. In his acceptance speech Bob acknowledged his fellow soldiers, friends and family that contributed to his success. But it was his final words that most stirred my heart. Bob gave credit to the Lord. 
 
Meditation
Colossians 1:22,23-But now He has reconciled you by His physical body through His death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before Him-if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become a servant of it.
 
Rank can swell a head faster than a pumped up volleyball and lead to all the follies of pride unless one remains grounded and steadfast in the faith-unshifted from the hope of the gospel. Through Jesus' death to life we have what we have and for no other reason. 

Another Lieutenant General this same week was exposed in the news for abusing his power by consistently bullying people. His subordinates described him as the worst boss they had everserved. What caused this hard working leader to become a jerk? Unless one is grounded and steadfast in the faith-unshifted from the hope of the gospel-life is hopelessly defective.

Decades of successful leading seduce a boss to think he or she has all the answers and is always right. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, arrogance seeps in and what should be God's glory becomes "all about me" unless one remains grounded and steadfast in the faith-unshifted from the hope of the gospel. Reconciliation cannot be taken for granted.

Bob's humility and gracious spirit reveal his understanding. He is the servant. The best leaders get this. It is the Lord by whom we breathe and it is the Lord to whom we give account. Blessed be the name of the Lord.  Are you grounded . . . ?
 
Inspiration
Humility should be a hallmark of those who fear God.-Jerry Bridges in The Joy of Fearing God
 
©2012 Daniel York  ARR. Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)