I’ve been thinking about humility a lot lately. In fact, there’s so much displayed in the world right now allowing no space to be humble. Pretentiousness is the name of the game some societally choose to adhere to. Though in the deep areas of my heart I often know why, in these same depths of soul, there reside such anguish for those of this, who live in the shadow of real greatness. Simply not wanting to know of a life where it is a gift to be humble toward others and self. This generous gift within all of us, given to us by God, to use more often than it is.
In happenstance or maybe more like gently persuasion, I was led to Luke 18:9-14, at the very moment I contemplated on this written expression on leadership, be it Christian, other ministry, or secular. These verses of the Bible speak on the personality differences of a Publican and a Pharisee. It is not my intention here, to go deep into the meaning of it. It is rather to acknowledge humility as holistic element of leadership.
The Pharasaic mind is one of religious egotism. The mind of the publican is that of a demeaned lawbreaker. One, a huge charlatan the other a worldling. Both stood when they prayed. One complimented himself, the other prayed for forgiveness and mercy.
Praise of self or humility? We get to choose.
No leader is ever perfect. This role takes consistent self-reflection and awareness of the importance of the very duty God gives. Puffing up for attention is never the answer to anything. Bragging, competitive, and divisive behavioral patterns destroy the soul. If God tells us we are alright by Him, why the need for such discordance. Move to peace. Bow at His feet and give it all to Him. Anything outside of God’s guidelines create a form of inward poverty to continuously feed, cloth, shelter…because there’s an element of thought that nothing is ever enough. More and more is better, becomes a fixation in the mind.
Leaders God’s way offers exaltation by Him and Him alone. Jesus honors and looks for humility. In practice, may His blessings flow in your life and your work. Let’s be cognizant that the only way to reach our higher goals is when we honor God not by uppity characteristics, but when we truly see Him as He is. The one and only Father who loves us so much!
Let’s be humble!
Rev. M. Charlotte Oliver
