Humility

by Aaron Demers

“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from the God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet…” John 13:3-5 

Of all the attributes that would make a great leader, humility is the most important as demonstrated by the life of Christ. Resurrecting from the dead, the Father has exalted Jesus above all rule and authority, above every name and thing in existence — that everything must bow before the King of Kings (Philippians 2, Eph 1). With that in mind, it is Jesus’ humility that instructs us how to live as His children, in whatever leadership capacity He is currently growing us in. Jesus Himself tells us in Mark 10:45 that He came not to be served, but to serve. In coming to earth as a helpless baby, he sojourned in a human body like yours and mine, spending countless hours listening to and binding up broken hearts, washing stinky feet, and counting His status as God not something to be used to His own advantage but rather to give His life for you and me.  

As one of His heirs, God wants to entrust more and more of His Kingdom to you. Growing in humility is undoubtedly the most secure and sustainable way to step into what God has for you in life. As Andrew Murray put it, “Humility, the place of entire dependence upon God, is from the very nature of things the first duty and the highest virtue of His creatures.” Scripturally, James 4:10 says “…humble yourselves before God and at the proper time He will exalt you…”  

Before God, humility is not something that can be faked. It’s the posture of your heart before Him, to live in light of Him in all things. As Oswald Chambers said, “humility is an unconscious result of a right relationship with God.” Humility is our participation in the life of Jesus. It is the displacement of self and the enthronement of God. 

Below are some statements and quotes about humility. 

Take some time to reflect on them and bring them before God.  

Humility opens up the door for servant leadership to emerge. To do as Jesus did, we must become like Jesus, where He was in every way humble. Humility is teachability. Humility is listening to others when it’s draining, or you don’t want to — it is considering others more important than yourself (Philippians 2). Humility is seeing yourself and what you do accurately. As Charles Spurgeon said, “Humility is the proper estimate of oneself.” This right view of yourself actually empowers you to confidently walk in your identity as a child God — a God who co-labors with you, His vessel, as He builds His Kingdom through you. Humility is the proper dependence on God and His power, where, as you genuinely bring the posture of your heart low in humble adoration before the almighty God, humility works to open the aperture of God’s grace to move where you are unable. Humility is absolute surrender to God. 

As a leader, nothing is more important for your continued growth, you’re troubleshooting in interpersonal dynamics, and your servant leadership than humility. It is the catalyst for excelled growth in every other virtue and attribute.  

On the flip side, how many poor leaders can you think of that are bad because of their pride? How many of their leadership issues would be fixed if they took the humble path? 

Look to Jesus. Humble yourself before Him. See yourself as you are and see Him for Who He is. 

“I did not come to be served, but to serve.”