Leadership Hinges on Humility

Maybe you missed me, probably you didn't. For a week, I have stopped all personal internet and social media interaction. Knowing that my pastor was going to call us to fast, and also knowing that I regularly struggle with low blood sugars, a food fast did not seem like a good idea.  I did ask God if that was what He wanted, because He could have been asking me to step out in faith and He could have kept my blood sugars in great shape, even if I didn't eat.  But, alas, as I sought what sacrifice would have a great impact on my life reminding me to pray and listen, a host of things were brought to mind.

First, I would give up personal internet and social media, and surprisingly? it was a big deal!  Secondly I would not listen to any music or radio while I drove around, spending that time praying as my Lord led.  Not so surprisingly, my week was filled with rich interaction with Him while MANY friends and family were topics of prayer for the week.

I couldn't fast from watching television because I only watch maybe a total of 2 hours a week.  I have grown accustom to, and enjoy the quietness of my house and contemplation while I go about my duties at home.  I rarely 'veg' in front of the plasma but do spend a lot of time reading and exploring on the internet.  I did check my emails, and only responded to and read that which was 'required'. I had to use the internet at work, but while off, no jumping to Amazon to check out a new book or to a kite website to explore new ways to make one.  No practicing my software driven radio controlled airplanes (before I get the real thing).

So what did I do?

While preparing for the fast, I inquired of my Maker for input, and input He gave me.  While working on a computer at church ( I do I.T. there) a stack of books were sitting on the shelf next to me.   "The Power of a Praying Husband" by Stormie Omartian, seemed benignly interesting, especially since, for the past 5 years I asked God to help me become a man of prayer.   I grabbed me a copy off the shelf.  Secondly, another book,  "The Making of a Leader" by J. Robert Clinton has been assigned me to read and report on as part of my ministerial training.  The latter encouraged my soul confirming that I am on the path of a leader, the former called me up short as my personal prayer time for my beloved was significantly shorter than my prayers to save the world and come alongside my friends.

In one amazing week, God showed me that in order to become a great leader, my greatest asset, and most important partner is Carrie.  He also pointed out that my beseeching Him on her behalf to become the most honorable, beautiful woman of God she can be is paramount to the success of our part of His kingdom building.  Now before you even think that I find her needing lots of improvement, let me belay and douse any such thinking determinedly.  Carrie is extremely intelligent, amazingly personable, incredibly creative in craft and life, adventurous with a fun loving spirit, a gifted homemaker, warm and endearing, and most importantly, devoted to and living in faithful service of her Maker while lovingly holding me accountable.  I am who I have become because of who she is and has helped me become.  She is worthy of much praise and prayer from this privileged and indebted heart, and I am blessed to have her as my partner in life!

The making of a leader hinges on humility.  All great leaders are great followers.  Great followers come alongside great leaders and together strive for the illusive target of inspirational development and deployment of more great leaders.  Personal pride and glory must be disposed.  Deep and meaningful accountability are key elements as checks and balances for every leader.  When leaders share their struggles and sins together while holding one another accountable, working to move beyond them, protecting one another with prayer and humility, powerful things will be accomplished together.


 I believe effective leadership hinges on humility, consulting with God, developing trust with others called to lead, following and learning from other leaders.  I also believe that effective spiritual leadership arises from interaction with our Maker and from a life given in prayer and accountability with those He asks us to engage with in life. 

Who's on your team?  Do you surround yourself with those who WILL keep you in check?  Is integrity, honesty and excellence the backbone of your call and life?  How do you know?  What are you doing to insure you continue in integrity and honor?