Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God and at the right time he will lift you up in honour.

1 Peter 5:6 (NLT)

Being humble can be a difficult thing to get your head around if you are a leader. We may have experienced the need to put ourselves down to the point where we have been taught or brought up believing and being told we are a nobody. Then you become a leader and all of a sudden you are told you are someone- someone with a huge amount of responsibility.

We must get the balance in leadership of not thinking we are ‘nobodies’ but not walking around as if you are better than everyone else.

True humility is not about thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.

The biggest battle against humility is our own pride, it’s the opposite of humility when everything becomes about you. It can allow an element of entitlement to set in which can cause us to ask questions like “God why are you not giving me that?”, “Why do I not have that?” and complaining and moaning sets in.

All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption, and perverse speech.

Proverbs 8:13 (NLT)

Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2 (NLT)

God hates pride, and he warns against it. There is nothing welcoming about a person who is full of pride.

Pride vs Humility:

Those who are full of pride think they are humble and will tell you. Those who are humble won’t have to tell you, you will see it.

Those who are full of pride can’t accept constructive criticism. Those who are humble can.

The proud want to be centre of attention. The humble know when to speak and when to be quiet.

The proud want to be with the ‘in crowd’. The humble are willing to mix with whoever.

The proud are not teachable, they won’t take on advice. The humble are.

The proud won’t take the lowly job. The humble will do whatever needs done.

The proud carry a critical spirit. The humble will love and encourage others.

The proud only care about outward appearance. The humble know its what in the heart that matters.

So how do we become humble?

Know God, who he is and what he has done for us, giving thanks will help us not feel entitled.

1. Understanding who God is and what he has done for us.
2. Understanding who we are- know your identity- be the best representative of Christ we can be.
3. Understand others- why they do/say what they do/say. Think about their circumstances, what they have walked through and where they are coming from.

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

Philippians 2:1-3 (NLT)

Humility is not putting yourself down but putting the need of others first.

Ask yourself these questions.

1. How do you view God in comparison to yourself?
2. How do you value others compared to yourself? Do you put their needs/desires/values above your own?
3. As you live every day, what is the main topic of your mind?

H- honours God and others.

U- Unity by thinking of others.

M- Mindful of others.

I- Involve others.

L- Love others.

I- Importance of others and their needs as God sees them.

T- Train and teach others- no fear of position.

Y- You give yourself to others you serve.

If you want to lead people, walk behind them.

Humble leaders believe in the development of others, they don’t crave credit nor need to show how great they are, or to undermine others to feel powerful. They quietly get on with the job at hand trying to improve and learn from their failures.

Written by Stephen Crawford