Articles
Christ Like Humility in Leadership
Whether we choose to recognize it or not and regardless of our title or worldly position, each person is below God in authority. He is the creator of the universe and His word–the Bible–is filled with stories trying to teach mankind about humility, especially in leadership.
The first mighty man among the Earth was Nimrod and one of the first cities of his kingdom was called Babel (Genesis 10:6-13). After finding a place to settle in the land of Shinar, the people of Babel said amongst themselves, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth” (Genesis 11:4). Rather than serve God and relying on His name, they pridefully decided to trust in themselves and their own creations. They sought power, prestige, and thought material things would be their protector. However, their hubris became a self-fulfilling prophecy of their worst fear. This is because when God saw their sin, He scattered them across the Earth (Genesis 11:5-9). Proverbs 16:18 reads, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
King David was the second king of Israel. As a young shepherd he protected his sheep by killing lions and bears. Later he gained a reputation for being a valiant warrior for Israel since he slayed Goliath and many Philistines (1 Samuel 17-18). More importantly, he spared king Saul’s life multiple times and strove to serve God and credited much of his accomplishments to Him. However, David had his moments of sin as well. 1 Chronicles 21 tells the story of when David succumbed to the temptations of Satan and issued a census among Israel. The census went against the advice of his nephew Joab and displeased God. He used his authority as king to do what he wanted above all else. Another instance of David sinning is recorded in 2 Samuel 11. After noticing her bathing one morning, King David lusted after Bathsheba and used his power as king to commit adultery. Bathsheba ended up pregnant and he committed yet another sin to cover up the previous one. Her husband was a loyal general under his command named Uriah. David murdered Uriah by sending him off to battle in the front lines against the Philistines and created a situation for him to die by their hand. Proverbs 16:12 says, “It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.”
When you think of a leader, how often does Jesus come to mind? Wasn’t Jesus a servant? Servants can’t be leaders, right? The world teaches us all that there is no way leaders can be servants because they don’t hold positions of power due to the fact that someone is above them in authority. Jesus said in Matthew 28:18, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Jesus was a servant to God, but a leader and teacher to mankind. Proverbs 22:1 reads, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” Being the Son of God, Jesus had the authority and divine blood of Him, but as the Son of man, He chose to be the perfect servant of Him. Even though he was the prince of Heaven and king of the Earth, Jesus washed feet, healed the sick, and sought the lost of mankind. In His ultimate act of humility, He willingly died a brutal death on the cross for all our sakes. Philippians 2:1-11 teaches us that leadership does not come from selfish goals and other worldly attributes, but it is being selfless and humble like Christ.
