11/01/2025
Humility in Leadership
Hello everyone, and welcome to today's message. As leaders and ministers, we are called to serve and lead others, but what does it mean to lead with humility?
In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
This passage gives us a clear picture of what humility in leadership looks like. It's about valuing others above ourselves, and looking to their interests rather than our own.
Leading by Example
As leaders, we set the tone for our teams and congregations. When we lead with humility, we model a servant's heart for others. We show them that leadership is not about power or control, but about serving and empowering others.
In 1 Peter 5:3, Peter writes, "Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." As leaders, we are called to be examples to those we serve. We are called to model humility, compassion, and servant-leadership.
Serving vs. Ruling
There's a big difference between leading with a servant's heart and leading with a desire for power and control. When we lead with humility, we serve others rather than ruling over them.
In Matthew 20:26-28, Jesus says, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Jesus models servant-leadership for us, and calls us to do the same. When we lead with humility, we put the needs of others before our own, and we serve them with compassion and kindness.
Listening and Learning
Humility in leadership also involves listening and learning from others. When we think we have all the answers, we can become arrogant and closed off to new ideas and perspectives.
In Proverbs 12:15, it says, "The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice." As leaders, we need to be willing to listen to advice and feedback from others, and to learn from their experiences and perspectives.
Acknowledging Limitations
Finally, humility in leadership involves acknowledging our limitations and weaknesses. We don't have all the answers, and we can't do everything on our own.
In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul writes, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
As leaders, we need to be willing to acknowledge our weaknesses and limitations, and to trust in God's power and strength to help us lead and serve others.
Conclusion
Humility in leadership is not always easy, but it's essential for effective and godly leadership. When we lead with humility, we model a servant's heart for others, and we put their needs before our own.
Let's ask God to help us lead with humility, and to give us the courage to serve others with compassion and kindness. May we be leaders who value others above ourselves, and who seek to empower and serve them rather than seeking power and control for ourselves.
Award Winning Gospel Musician. Multi Instrumentalist. Visionary Leader.
