Today’s devotion on the theme of Humility is from Joseph M. Stowell.

When we think of effective leadership and the necessary traits to pull it off, humility most likely doesn’t rank at the top of the list. Effective leadership usually conjures up thoughts of confidence, gravitas, an intimidating presence, and an enviable profile. And while some literature may tip its hat to humility, it is most often viewed as too soft and deferring to be effective. Yet before he is done with his standards for effective shepherding, Peter adds the counterintuitive dynamic of humility.

Humility is Indispensable for a Leader

According to Peter, humility is an indispensable quality of effectiveness in terms of both our relationship to God and our relationship with one another. Without apology, he writes, “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5). Humility is what shepherds wear.

What Humility is NOT

Let me dismiss the misgivings that some of us may have about humility. Any thoughts that humble people are quiet, sanctimonious, self-deprecating, passive, always serious, or fading into the background with hands folded in a prayerful posture are all wrong. Authentically humble people can be the life of the party and still be humble. They can be highly successful and widely acclaimed. Humility is a condition of the inner self at the deepest levels, and it is planted in the hearts and manifested in the behavior of a diverse set of people and personalities.

The Damaging Potential of Pride for a Leader

Humility is all about my internal perspectives regarding self and ultimately about my perspective on God’s involvement in my success. Nothing can be more damaging than a leader choosing to take the detour toward pride.

Christ-following leaders must come to grips with the significance of the damaging potential of pride. The warning is profound: if you are proud, God will resist you! (James 4:6) I find that I have enough headwinds in my own life and leadership without adding the gale force winds of God’s resistance. What I really need is his wind at my back, blowing with grace under my wings. The way to guarantee that is to “clothe” ourselves with humility.