Have you ever tried to be humble? A person who brags about having achieved humility probably hasn’t. Maybe that’s why Jesus doesn’t say to his disciples in his criticism of religious leaders, “Don’t be like them. Humble yourselves.” He speaks of humility as something done to you rather than by you.
Have a problem with pride? Have an exalted opinion of your abilities? Try being a leader in Jesus’ name, and God will fix that. You will be humbled.
The day I was exalted as a bishop, a wise bishop told me, “This job will force you to your knees.” Earlier, I had interviewed retired bishops, asking them to characterize the episcopacy. Their main response: Powerlessness.
“As a bishop, you have a front-row seat to see the problems and failures of the church, but the rules and procedures mandated by The Book of Discipline, competing caucuses, uncooperative clergy, and reactionary laity tie your hands,” one explained.
How ironic that those to whom the church has given the most power are humbled by their impotence.
Maybe my question ought not be, “What can I do to be more successful, effective, and powerful?” Rather, “Have I been so infrequently humbled because I’ve attempted too little in the name of Jesus?” Or, “How have my leadership failures shown that I may be faithful to Jesus?”
Jesus promises, “Follow me; attempt to teach, to lead, or to love in my name and I promise: You will be humbled.”
This is good news for those who hope to align our lives with the One who taught his followers, “The greatest among you will be your servant.”