I have a very good friend who I do not get to see nearly as often as I would like. I met Richard Exley in 1995 when he spoke at a men’s retreat. The following week we had lunch together with our wives and several of the guys at Promise Keepers. It was during our lunch that he made one of those comments that you ask people to repeat and then even a third time to make sure you have it.

He told all of us about a book that God spoke directly to his heart to write regarding the abuse of power by leaders. The title of the book is, The Perils of Power. To me a classic.

But here is the zinger…….. he just sort of casually said.

Perks…. “First you accept them, then you expect them, them you demand them and then you abuse them.”

All of this came back to me as I rethought my earlier blog. I wonder how many guys think of their sins as not really sins but just little “perks” that go with the job. You know they really deserve them and they make you feel so much better.

Sin is never just a little perk that goes with the job or position.

Well Richard…It has been since 1995 and I still haven’t forgotten your words that day. Thank you my friend.

You can check out Richard’s blog, Straight From the Heart at http://www.richardexley.typepad.com/