Paul, The Christian Worker - Humility

Acts 20:19 - "Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:"

Philippians 2:5-9 - "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

In Acts 20:19 we read of an often-neglected aspect of true servant leadership... humility. The thought is repeated again in the person of Jesus Christ more emphatically in Philippians. Oftentimes, leaders are portrayed as ten foot tall and bullet proof pillars that charge forward with unwavering confidence. The problem is, as a friend of mine once said, we are all a mess. Even the best of people has their idiosyncrasies and vices. We cannot stand tall in our own strength and abilities, that is pride. And pride " goeth before destruction."

Paul had every reason to be prideful and forceful in his leadership. He had been a most zealous religious leader before Christ, and even more zealous for Christ after his conversion. His ministry encompasses most of the writings of the New Testament. Nevertheless, Paul was humble as he served. He knew who he was and was comfortable humbling himself to better serve and help others. The humility of Paul was the mode by which he was able to lead others. He lead by coming alongside others and helping them to go forward, not by driving them forward. He embodied true servant leadership.

Christ was God incarnate and Philippians tells us he "took on the form of a servant" and was "obedient unto death". God himself in the person of Jesus Christ displayed servant leadership that was exhibited through humility of mind. The night of His betrayal, Christ girded himself with a towel and washed His disciples' feet. He knew they would all forsake them, but he had a lesson to teach them for when their time to lead the church came, He put aside His position and served his followers.

A leaders and workers we must always strive to exhibit humility to serve our coworkers, employees, peers, and world. Humility is the key to effective leadership and must never be forgotten.