Humble Service
We often talk about Christian leadership, but there seems to be confusion about what that looks like today. In a world where my personal rights overshadow my responsibilities to others, we see leaders who refuse to collaborate, endlessly seek social media attention, and believe their way is the only way to get it done. This is anything but real leadership.
Last week I wrote and talked about leading with kindness. As part of that blog, I noted four things.
1. Humility
2. Service
3. Integrity
4. Generosity
I want to look today at humility and service. Perhaps nothing is more universally treasured and yet more misunderstood than humility. We celebrate humility and yet struggle to define exactly what it looks like. With that said, here are a few things to keep in mind regarding humility.
Humility requires Self-awareness
The writer Flannery O’Conner says, “The first product of self-knowledge is humility.” The more you know yourself the more you know how little you really know. The better you understand yourself, the more you realize your limitations, weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and self-centered tendencies.
Humility is ultimately about balance: it means we neither dismiss nor exaggerate our value.
C.S. Lewis reminds us that we all tend to be self-centered and focused only on ourselves. “If you don’t believe you are self-centered, then you are probably very self-centered. Take a look at a set of family snapshots and then ask yourself, ‘Do we or do we not judge the quality of the picture by how we look?’”
Humility responds with Kindness
Think about it, humble people are rarely unkind. Humility moves me to respond to others with kindness, generosity, and care. Ego wants me to think, I’m special. I’m better. The rules don’t apply to me. My rights, needs, wants, and demands should be met no matter the impact it has on others.
One of my favorite theologians insists that, “The primary virtue in following Christ is humility.” The idea of the “arrogant know it all Christian” is kind of an oxymoron in Christian faith.
With that said, can one really be a servant without humility? When you stop to think about those we consider the ultimate servants, are they not the most humble among us?
Service requires Humility
To lead you must serve and service is intrinsically about the other. If the focus of our efforts is on us, then we’re not really serving. We are simply going through the motions of service to highlight our pseudo humility in hopes that others will recognize our efforts.
Service demands Commitment
Finally, service can’t be done without commitment. Serving halfway doesn’t really accomplish anything. And those who serve, know the time, effort, and sacrifices that must be made to really serve others.
The commitment and sacrifices of service are much like breakfast. The chicken was involved, but the pig was committed.
Lead with kindness, humility, and service, and you’ll lead well.