The Zone Gathering

This is Part 4 of the Laying the Foundation series on Thursday Leadership Lesson. As we build our groups and ministries, we must ensure that we are building on a solid foundation. This series will explore characteristics of leaders who lay and build on firm foundations. Today, we will talk about humility and leadership.

When you pray for the leadership traits of Jesus to develop in your own life, which ones do you pray for? What leadership skills do you work hard at? If you are like me, then communication, vision, team-building, delegation, time-management, and Bible knowledge are right at the top of the list. Some of the seemingly less exciting issues like character development and providing care for others might be on there as well.

But when was the last time humility was on your prayer list? Has “humility” ever been a leadership goal for you?

Humility is not at the top of any lists of preferred qualities for business leaders. It’s rarely mentioned in books on leadership, even in Christian and Biblically-based leadership books. However, our effectiveness as spiritual leaders, hinges on our relationship with God, and that means that humility must be at the forefront of our growth goals.

Let’s begin by looking at some definitions of humility. The great preacher Charles Spurgeon defined humility as “the proper estimate of oneself.” Andrew Murray defined humility as the “displacement of self by the enthronement of God.” C. J. Mahaney said that humility is “honestly assessing ourselves in light of God’s holiness and our sinfulness.” Each of these definitions is helpful as we seek to become people of humility.

God’s Thoughts on Humility
The Bible speaks a lot on the topic of humility. It is commended in Proverbs at least 5 times, and John the Baptist understood its importance when he said, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” (John 3:30) Here are some principles we can draw from Scripture.

• Humility keeps us from sin. Pride, the opposite of humility, was the original sin. Satan fell because he wanted to be greater than God, and sin always seems to be tied to some form of pride or self-sufficiency. Scripture tells us repeatedly that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5). The word “opposes” is an active tense, and it carries with it the meaning of an immediate and constant opposition. As we remain humble, we receive God’s grace.
• God is drawn to humility. Another dynamic we see in Scripture is that God is drawn to humility. Isaiah 66:2 says, ” This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” If we want God’s presence in our lives, then an attitude of humility invites his presence.
• Christ modeled humility for us. Consider how many times Jesus said he was “nothing” or did nothing our of his own power. Meditate on the following verses: “Learn from me, I am gentle and humble in heart.” (Matthew 11:29) “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28) “I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:27). And on the night that Jesus arguably could have thought of no one except himself, he picked up a towel and washed the feet of the men who would later betray him, deny him, and leave him at the moment of his greatest need.
• Humility characterizes the church. We are told twice to “clothe” ourselves in humility- Colossians 3:12 and 1 Peter 5:5. In Colossians, the word “clothe” means to “sink into a garment.” How well do we wear our humility? Is it comfortable or awkward? The word in 1 Peter means to clothe oneself for service– like an apron. (to sink into a garment). Humility is seen in the way we relate to one another in the Body of Christ.

Seeking Humility
Humility does not simply happen. We will not simply wake up one morning because we’ve made a decision to be humble. No amount of teaching and training will force humility to take root. It is something that must become the focus of our prayer, discipline, and desire. Ultimately, only the indwelling of Christ can make us people of humility.

• Every morning, go to the cross and express your dependence upon Christ. This accomplishes three things. First, going to the cross reminds ourselves of the ultimate humility of Christ. Secondly, it helps us recognize and acknowledge our need for Christ. Finally, our expression of thankfulness for Jesus’ sacrifice and our confession of dependence will prepare our hearts for directing glory to God throughout the day.
• Study the humility of Christ. Start by looking at the following passages: John 5:19, John 5:30, John 5:41, John 6:38, John 7:16, 28, John 8:28, 42, 50, John 14:10, 24. Meditate on the circumstances of his birth, the passion week and his sacrifice.
• At the end of the day, review your day with God and reflect glory back to God for your accomplishments. Confess sin and ask God to be your strength in weakness.
• Seek feedback and correction. We cannot become people of humility on our own. We must actively invite and pursue the feedback and correction of others. It’s called “accountability.” Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Find some other leaders and friends who can help you grow in the area of humility.

Martin Luther said, “God created the world out of nothing, and as long as we are nothing, He can make something out of us.” Let’s seek to be nothing so that God can pour all of himself into us!

For more reading on this topic, I would strongly recommend the following books:

Humility (Andrew Murray)

Humility (C. J. Mahaney)

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 1st, 2007 at 4:10 pm and is filed under Foundations, Leadership Lessons, News and Updates. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.