day 607: Staying Grounded

"This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as he is above his fellow citizens"

We all have to have something that keeps us grounded. We live in an age where business leaders can become rock stars. With a few successes we see leaders on the front page of magazines, newspapers and featured on TV shows. We are all human and it is hard to stay grounded when the acclaim and accolades come our way. This can happen even when we are just getting recognized by our boss or peers. We have to work to ensure that we don't let it go to our head and begin to think that we are above the rest of the people in the office. I have noticed over the years that the most humble of leaders will usually have a poster or sign in their offices reminding them they are like everyone else or reinforcing teamwork, etc. This visual statement of humility is not just for others, it is a marker for them to never forget who they are really are or where they came from. We are to be humble in our successes and not let ourselves think that we are above others or taken too seriously, especially by ourselves. We are given a great example of how to stay grounded in the book of Deuteronomy when we read the guidelines for a king in Chapter 17. Kings are told to keep the laws in front of themselves and with them on the throne to stay grounded.

As believers, to stay grounded, we can keep God's laws and God's Word with us at all times. And for this to work, we are told that "regular reading" is required. When it begins to feel like you might be taking it all too seriously or that you have allowed your actions and words to not be in touch with those who helped you get to where you are, then you are overdue to get back into God's Word. Preventive reading never hurts either. Let today be a great step forward in staying grounded.

Reference: Deuteronomy 17:20 (New Living Testament)