Lead Strong: Leadership Lessons From The Bible - Part 2نموونە

Leaders Are Humble

Have you ever noticed that God is in the grand business of taking what the world would define as “nobodies” and transforming them into “somebodies”? Why does God do this throughout Scripture over and over? To remind us that leadership is a privilege, and it’s not about us.

Interestingly at a pivotal point in Israel’s history, God appointed the guy who, according to 1 Samuel 10:22, was hiding in the “pile of baggage” to be Israel’s king. Saul’s leadership journey was birthed from humble beginnings, yet as we continue to read his story throughout 1 Samuel, we quickly discover that Saul abandoned humility in search of honor.

God doesn’t appoint leaders for man-made honor. He appoints leaders to glorify Him. Saul lost sight of that. We have a front row seat witnessing just how quickly Saul forgot that his skill set, charm, good looks, and accomplishments were not the criteria that crowned him King. Rather the only criteria crowning him King was the hand of favor and blessing of God.

How often do we lose sight of that in our own lives?

How often do we fall into our own mindset traps rationalizing that our gifts and abilities are the very things that have named us the leaders we are? While we should celebrate accomplishments, wins and victories, the game changing distinction in leadership lies in who we give the credit and honor to. Are we patting ourselves on the back with an ‘atta girl’ and gold star? Or are we looking up, humbly thanking the God who placed us in our leadership role in the first place?

As a pastor’s kid, I grew up hearing my Daddy share a statement that has forever marked my view on ministry and leadership: If God doesn’t show up, it’s game over, lights out. What my Daddy has always intentionally modeled is that life change—partnering with people to discover in Christ that we have hope—isn’t based on him. It’s based solely on God.

We lead because God has appointed us to be leaders. We lead humbly because it’s all about Him, and in doing so we can walk confidently in who God made us to be while pointing people directly to the hope we have in Him. Humility isn’t a sign of weakness; humility is the mark of a warrior.

By Emily Cummins