How does humility inform our understanding of leadership?

John 3:27-30John [the Baptist] replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”

Godly leaders understand that their work is “appointed by God,” not earned by their own efforts. While they are responsible in their work, they recognize their work is not about them. We Christians are called to point others to Christ, not steal his glory for ourselves. John the Baptist, whom Jesus called the greatest on earth, humbled himself so that more eyes would be drawn to Jesus.

Philippians 2:5-11You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Godly leaders do not cling to their prerogatives as a means for self-advancement. Instead, they use their gifts, responsibilities, and resources for service and sacrifice.

Matthew 11:29“Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Godly leaders are accessible. Jesus is the ultimate model of a leader who communicated availability through gentleness and humility.

John 13:3-5, 12-17Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. . . . After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.”

Godly leaders are never too proud to meet others’ needs. Jesus, the divine Son of God, saw the task that no one else was willing to do, and he met it gladly. If our Lord and Teacher did this, how can we be too proud to do the same?

Exodus 18:17-23“This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”

Godly leaders delegate. They recognize they can’t do everything. To ask for help and trust others with important tasks takes humility, but it is often necessary—not only for the good of the group or organization, but for the health of the leaders themselves. Sometimes, leaders become caught up in their passion and vision and don’t recognize the warning signs that they are spreading themselves too thin. In that case, leaders should be attentive to the wise warnings of others, as Moses was with Jethro.

1 Kings 19:4-8Then he [Elijah] went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God.

Psalm 127:1Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.

Mark 2:27Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.”

Luke 5:16Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

Sometimes, the stressors and burdens of leadership can become overwhelming. Leaders in these situations may fall into two temptations: either give up entirely or grit their teeth and push harder. If leaders gives up, they may close a door on God’s unfinished work. If leaders push ahead on their own strength, they may miss the signs that God is pointing them in a different direction. Such leaders may break under the pressure, damaging their future effectiveness for God. When God created people, he made them with the need for rest. Jesus opposed a legalistic view of the Sabbath, but he affirmed its value. Even though Jesus’ ministry had a limited timeframe, Jesus didn’t rush to speak to as many crowds as possible—he still took time to be alone and pray. When Elijah’s ministry reached a point of despair, God’s first response to him was to simply provide the food and rest Elijah needed. Then God led Elijah somewhere alone to share a new vision for his ministry. As leaders, we need humility to recognize our limitations and dependence on God. But like Jesus and Elijah, our ministry should include times of rest and listening rather than constant pushing for productivity.

Matthew 6:1“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 23:12“But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Acts 20:19“I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears.”

Leaders are often tempted to be proud of their work in an unhealthy way. Taking satisfaction in what we do is good, but we should not allow that satisfaction to grow into pride.