RE-BLOG from Ambs' pastor, Mark Batterson, (Lead Pastor of National Community Church). (NOTE: They recently had Rick Warren--- he is a Pastor, and Author of the THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE --- at their Church, and he attended their weekly, Monday Morning Staff Meeting this past week) ENJOY!
Integrity. Humility. Generosity.
"I'd rather die than embarrass Jesus Christ."
Of all the things Rick Warren said, I feel like that statement was the most powerful. Really appreciate Rick's humility and transparency. He talked about the three temptations leaders face. They are the same temptations Jesus faced in the desert.
The first temptation is lust of the flesh. Satan says to Jesus, "Turn these stones into bread." He was tempting Jesus to use his gifts for self-gratification. And the antidote is integrity.
The second temptation is lust of the eyes. Satan shows him the kingdoms of the earth and says all this can be yours. Rick said the temptation is taking shortcuts to accumulate things. And the antidote is generosity. By the way, Rick reverse tithes. In other words, he gives 90% and lives off 10%. Awfully inspiring!
The third temptation is the pride of life. At some point you can stop building altars to God and start building monuments to self. The antidote is humility. And I love Rick's definition. Humility is not denying our strengths. It is admitting our weaknesses.
Good stuff. I think he'd dead on. Integrity, humility and generosity are the greatest safeguards against the temptations leaders face.
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