In 2024, humility isn’t a trait you see people put on their resumes. Think about it: when was the last time you heard someone on TV or in a boardroom bragging about how humble they are? Of course, to brag about being humble wouldn’t be humble at all. However, some have mastered the “humble brag.” Regardless, I’m sure you get my point.
We live in a world that celebrates power, prestige, and success. Turn on the news (or as I call it, “the narrative”), and you’ll see a steady stream of leaders who are more interested in flexing their influence than serving others. Just look at the chaos in our political systems or the scandals that rock the business world every few months. It’s pride, ambition, and ego on parade.
But what if the greatest strength a leader could have is, in fact, humility?
The Bible has a different take on leadership than the world does. Philippians 2:3-4 lays it out plain and simple:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Jesus didn’t need to prove Himself. He could’ve shown up in a blaze of glory, demanding that everyone bow at His feet. Instead, He came to serve, not to be served. He washed His disciples’ feet, He healed the sick, and He spent time with the people society had written off. If the Son of God can lead with humility, maybe we should too.
The problem is, the spirit of the age has gotten humility all wrong. Society thinks it means being weak or letting people walk all over us. But humility is strength under control. It’s the power to put others first, even when your ego screams for recognition. It’s choosing to listen instead of always having the last word. It’s giving credit where credit is due, even if you could’ve taken it for yourself. That’s real leadership.
Candidly, in today’s world, most “leaders” are more interested in building their brand than serving their team. I’ve seen it in politics, the corporate world, and even in local communities. Sadly, when leaders put themselves first, people get hurt. Trust breaks down, morale dips, and organizations become self-serving machines, not forces for good.
Imagine the difference it would make if more leaders chose humility. Instead of rushing to defend their egos, they’d listen to the people they’re supposed to be serving. They’d consider the impact of their decisions on others, not just on their own bottom line. They’d understand that leadership isn’t about making people look up to you—it’s about lifting others up.
If you’re in a position of leadership, I challenge you to practice humility this week. And if you’re not, you can still lead. Start by asking yourself: how can I put others first? How can I make sure I’m not doing things out of selfish ambition or pride? Take the time to really listen to your spouse, your kids, your coworkers. Be intentional about valuing their needs, even if it means sacrificing some comfort of your own.
Leadership rooted in humility is rare, but it’s the kind we desperately need today.
Let’s be those Bold Leaders.
