7 Quotes by Duane Elmer

Power is meant to be shared with the goal of empowering others. Hoarded power weakens others and exalts oneself. Power, when grounded in biblical values, serves others by liberating them. It acknowledges that people bear the image of God and treats them in a way that will nurture the development of that image. In so doing, we honor their Creator.

Power is to be used in the service of others and only secondarily, if at all, for the benefit of oneself.

Most of life is a matter of nonessential differences.

Humility before God generates humility toward others. If humility toward others is not evident, it’s unlikely we see ourselves correctly before God.

Second, building trust requires risk – mostly emotional. Testing strengthens trust. Friendships grow while working through difficulties together and finding resolution. This includes clarifying misunderstandings, admitting wrong, apologizing and forgiving. As we deal with the bumps in a relationship, mutual confidence increases. Soon both parties are confident the other will not intentionally hurt them.

I’m not sure Dave realized in that split-second decision what a profound message he was sending to his “father,” Mr. Yaka, and the long-term impact it would have on them and their ministry – even the continent!

Martin Luther: “He who believes his doctrine to be perfectly right and true has only to lift his hands and touch his ears and discover they are the long furry ears of a donkey.