In today’s world, and yes in the Church today, humility is not a dominating characteristic. Instead we see arrogance, pridefulness and self-promotion. Though this should not be what a leader looks like, it seems to be what the world is looking for in its leaders.
These traits are seen by many as being confident, capable and self-assured.
Those are qualities we look for in those we choose to follow. Because of this truth, there is a paradigm that suggests “it’s hard to be humble” and succeed or get ahead.
Why? Truthfully, it is because humility is seen as a weakness and weakness cannot be tolerated.
Those who are humble are not loud, not necessarily visible and certainly not self-promoting. Because of this, they may be overlooked or ignored when seen alongside those seeking to be seen and noticed.
Though an outward expression of strength may be portrayed by being cocky or arrogant, true strength is found in humility.
Throughout God’s Word we see examples of men and women who led and rose to great heights from humble beginnings. They did so with humble and contrite hearts. The greatest example of the strength of humility was and is Jesus. His humbling Himself in taking the form of a man is where we see this most.
So, is humility something we should strive for? Do we see it as a strength or a weakness? Finally, are we willing to take the risk and allow humility to be a defining part of who we are and how we lead?
Always remember, you and I are responsible for how we are perceived. One thing is certain, for humility to be seen in us, it cannot be seen by us.
Yes, “it’s hard to be humble”, but nothing worth doing is ever easy.
Micah 6:8, “He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
