We have a leadership problem in America today. Modern leaders seem to lack some factor that great leaders of the past had. This is not a slight at any spiritual, philosophical, or political leader in particular. It is an observation about leaders in general.
Many people suggest it is integrity we need in leaders, like that of Abraham Lincoln. Others say we need wise leaders like George Washington. Some would say we need courage in our leaders, like Martin Luther King Jr offered. These are all wonderful leadership traits, but all of these leaders had something in common we rarely see today- humility.
These men were great because they saw themselves as servants, not masters. They existed for the betterment of others, not to gain from them. They understood the words of Jesus - “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). If every leader took these words seriously, the world would undoubtedly be a better place.
This does not excuse those of us under leadership, but remember that people often reflect their leadership. This was certainly true of the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah. God’s chosen people waxed and waned in their devotion along with every leader. Are we any different in America today?
America is unique, in that, our nation was created to be led from the bottom up, instead of the top down. It was founded to ensure that citizens would have the power. Part of the evidence that humility is absent in our leadership is that this model has been flipped over the years.
Recent events have made this more obvious as many politicians have crossed the line of attempting to ban our rights as citizens (the free exercise of religion/the right of the people to peaceably assemble). They do not have the right to do this and we do have the right to defend ourselves against their tyranny. But most of us, including myself, forget this fact because we have been trained to think otherwise by self-serving bureaucrats.
When leaders see themselves as being above the people they claim to “serve” it creates a problem. They are no longer leaders, but usurpers. You see, the principle Jesus taught was that a true leader submits him/herself to the people they serve. This is the single greatest leadership principle ever taught.
He exemplified this Himself by conversing with the marginalized and healing lepers. He stooped down to wash His disciples’ feet. He died a criminal’s death to save the world from sin. Everything Jesus did showed us everything a leader ought to be - Selfless. Compassionate. Humble.
You can have a leader who is eloquent, brilliant, or bold, but give me a leader who cares about their people. I do not want the best speaker, politician, or performer. I want someone who will help make this world a better place. You don’t do that by seeing yourself as the greatest. You do that by seeing yourself as the least.
Abraham Lincoln was not a great president because he led his nation through a war, but because he led his nation into peace. He could very well have punished those who fought for the Confederacy, but chose instead to get on with rebuilding America. This was not a political decision, but a humble one.
George Washington was reluctant to lead in the first place. After two terms, he set a standard that no president should serve more than two terms to ensure the people’s voice remained strong. We have leaders today who would break this unwritten rule for self-empowerment. Humility must be a way of life for a leader, lest he become a dictator.
Dr Martin Luther King Jr set a beautiful example for leaders. He too, was reluctant. He led not because he wanted to, but because the people needed him to. When attacked by enemies, he did not retaliate, but took the blows in humility. He knew that a violent reaction would lead to the harm of others. Humble leaders do not seek to defend themselves, but those they serve.
I know of few leaders today who have these qualities. In fact, it seems the higher up the ladder you go, the worse it gets. Politicians are elected today based on popularity. Pastors today are selected based on preaching styles. Thought leaders are followed based on the number of Twitter followers. And we wonder why our nation is in shambles? We need humble leaders, not celebrities and career politicians.
What would it take for God to heal our land? The first requisite is humility (2 Chronicles 7:14). I believe if we got this one point right, the rest would follow. If we want our nation, our churches, and our families to flourish, we need to expect humility from our leaders and hold them accountable.
And if we, who are leaders, want to get it right, we will have to humble ourselves. We will need to become willing to die for the ones we serve. We will have to stoop down and wash the feet of those who would follow us. Only then is a leader worth following.
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