Leadership is bound to bring about opportunities to be humbled. It’s inevitable. The messiness of life often gets in the way of the plans we have and things rarely go as expected. But a good leader embraces the opportunity and grows from it. Humility is a key to good leadership.
Leadership also provides lots of opportunity to lead. To make choices, give direction and shepherd projects and people. Good leaders don’t shy away from decision making but make confident choices and embrace the opportunity to lead. Confidence is a key to good leadership.
One thing I have learned over the years is that leadership is a sweet blend of confidence and humility. Good leaders find the right balance and lead with a full dose of both. As Christian leaders it is important to allow space for God to cultivate both elements into our leadership style. Here’s why…
Leading out of balance.
What happens when a leader lacks these skills? A leader who lacks humility is a leader no one wants to work for. The opposite of humility is pride and a prideful leader will ultimately find that their pride will lead to their demise. A prideful leader is a dangerous leader.
On the opposite extreme a leader who lacks confidence is also a leader few want to follow. Good leaders have to make decisions – it’s inevitable and comes with the position – even when the outcome is unknown. A leader who fails to lead due to fear, apprehension or apathy will lose their following and influence.
A good Godly leader seeks to find the right balance in the Lord. Humble with their power and confident in their God given responsibility to lead.
Leaders lead!
The Bible is full of good leaders! As to be expected we can see in several of them how they found a good balance between humility and confidence.
Joseph
When Joseph was promoted from the prison to the palace in Egypt, he accepted the perks that came with the position and used them to lead effectively. He wore Pharaoh’s signet ring, linen robe, and gold necklace. He rode in Pharaoh’s impressive chariot with its security personnel. (Gen. 41:42-43) He didn’t confuse humility with reluctance. He recognized that God had gifted him and equipped him to lead. [1]
Esther
When Esther was selected as the queen, she didn’t refuse to reign or take advantage of her lofty position. She acknowledged that God had brought her into the kingdom “for such a time as this” and used her influence to save her people. (Esther 4:14) [1]
Jesus
Of course, Jesus was the perfect and most complete leader the world has ever seen. Jesus was the perfect blend of conviction and compassion, confidence and humility. As king of the world he still kneeled to wash his disciples’ feet. A servant who came to serve and not be served. Yet, Jesus didn’t shy away from authority or responsibility. He demonstrated his self-confidence and commitment to the father’s plan by going to the cross and being crucified.
Jesus lead by example and gave his followers the model for humble confident leadership.
What shapes your leadership?
We all carry baggage into our leadership roles. Past experiences, wounds, failures and other leaders have impacted and influenced our lives, making us vulnerable to pride or fear. No human leader will lead perfectly – but with God’s grace we can evaluate, grow and develop as Godly leaders. Here are a few questions to consider as you grow in your leadership:
What leaders have had the biggest influence on your leadership style? How have they impacted you?
What experiences (good or bad) have shaped your leadership style?
How have you learned humility in leadership?
How have you seen pride creep into your leadership?
What are the factors that cause you to lack confidence in your leadership?
How do you know when your confidence to lead is fleshly and not Godly?
Who do you have near to you that will honestly help you evaluate your balance of humility and confidence in leadership?
God’s gift – our call
The famous film star Sir Laurence Olivier was once asked what it took to be a great actor. He responded, “Humility enough to prepare and confidence enough to perform.” That’s the balance that’s needed in ministry. Enough holy fear to remain dependent on God every day, yet enough confidence in our divine call that we remain strong and courageous no matter how challenging the assignment.[1]
Leadership is a gift from God to men and women not for them to exalt themselves but to reflect God to the world and give him glory. Friends, I pray that you can lead your ministries and churches with the humility of a servant and the confidence of the king you serve. To God be the glory!
Growth Point:
Godly leadership is characterized by a blend of humility and confidence
Scripture Point:
Read 1 Peter 5:5-7. What do these verses say about leadership and humility?
Action Point:
Take 30 minutes this week to reflect on your leadership style. Pray and seek the Lord for answers to some of the questions above. Make a list of steps to improve your leadership moving forward.
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