Learning to Lead Like JesusSýnishorn

Learning to Lead Like Jesus with Humility

“He humbled himself.”

The Son of God chose humility so he could serve other human beings. Instead of taking advantage of His divinity for Himself, He emptied Himself for the sake of us. Wow! Humility. Service. Obedience. Death. Salvation. The humility of Jesus is the standard we aspire to as followers of Jesus. J.O.Y.: means serve Jesus first, Others second, Yourself third, all with a humble heart.

What is Humility?

Humility is a healthy view of ourselves, others and God. C.S. Lewis describes humility well, “Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call ‘humble’ nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seems a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him. If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.”

A Point to Ponder: Humble people leave behind the residue of God, not themselves.

Pride and humility cannot coexist, so the pride of self-conceit and superiority must be confronted by humility. These two pride varietals are like voluminous vines that choke all forms of life giving leadership. Again Lewis exposes pride as a major obstacle to knowing God, “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”

Gratefully, humility is the gateway to grace: for God gives grace to the humble, but He resists the proud (James 4:6). Since we are to live the Christian life in the same way we became a Christian—by grace through faith—it’s imperative we humbly and daily infuse our souls with God’s grace. If we think we are humble we are not, but we can rest—knowing humble Jesus lives in us, with us, and through us. Humility happily defers in love, “How can I honor you above myself?” Wise leaders walk in humility, preferring others above themselves and deferring to other needy souls!

A Point to Ponder: Humility is the door to walk through and experience God’s grace.

Questions for Reflection...

• Do you think about yourself more than other people when you are in their presence, or are you focused on their needs?
• What are some ways you can show someone you defer to them, and prefer their desires above your own?
• How do humility and wisdom go together?

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This Bible reading plan is adapted from Learning to Lead Like Jesus by Boyd Bailey.  Explore 11 principles that will help you serve, inspire, and equip others as Jesus did.  Learn more at the following affiliate link here.