Humility--What Leaders Can't Live Without!

It is rather amazing how most of us feel that we are not proud but that we have done a pretty good job in learning humility.  Although none of us would be so bold to say that we have attained it--we often fall far short from the biblical idea.   Perhaps the greatest of all virtues that could be learned from Jesus Christ is that of humility as he walked this earth.

As a young boy, I read through the book of Proverbs regularly--it was probably my favorite book.  A prominent theme is that of humility and pride.  The following are a few verses that I've committed to memory.  Now, I have the life-long task of pursuing it.

Proverbs 11:2, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

Proverbs 22:4, "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor, and life."

Proverbs 27:2, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips."

Proverbs 12:15, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice."

There are many things that make for a truly great leader but there is one thing that no leader can do without--humility.   A healthy leader understands that life is not about them.  Leaders get much attention and credit which can create a mindset that everything, revolves around them.  There is not a leader who has fallen that did not begin to think that it was all about them.  A healthy leader understands that they are only stewarding a ministry that belongs to the Lord and that it takes a team to make it happen.  Through humility, a healthy leader understands that they exist to serve their team and to help that team to be all that it can for God's glory.  Humble leaders understand that they are not the only ones with ideas that matter.  They learn to listen more and validate others for their contributions.  Perhaps the greatest thing that I've witnessed is that a humble, healthy leader give the credit away to others.  He is not concerned about getting the recognition but that the ministry moves forward.  

Perhaps one of the boldest things we could pray for is for God to help us to be a humble, servant leader and to allow God to exalt us in due time should he desire to do so.