Leadership Edge – Humility and Tenacity
By Stovall Weems
There is a price to pay to grow as a follower of Christ and as a leader. Jesus said that if we are to come after him we must deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him (Luke 9:23). In this verse we see two key components of paying a price. The first is humility (to deny oneself) and the second is drive or tenacity (to take up your cross).
When most people think of paying a price, they think of commitment, tenacity, drive and hard work. Those things are important. But the first thing is humility.
It takes humility to be a team player, to know that it is God’s favor and not you, to submit to vision and spiritual leadership and to be ok with not getting the credit for something that you did. It takes humility to admit when you are wrong.
If we have the drive and the tenacity without humility, we will be prideful and hurt others in our good intentions to succeed in leadership and see God’s kingdom move forward.
But on the other hand, if we have only humility and no drive or tenacity we will give up when in gets too tough. Leaders in God’s Kingdom must have both to pay the price for the church to move forward. Ask yourself: What are you willing to sacrifice to grow as a leader?
Be sure that your commitment will require both humility and tenacity.
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I think that with each person comes a different balance on the humility and drive in leadership. I also believe as humans we are all in need of deny ourselves, but with no drive it’s pointless. That is why I love being a youth it seems that we are not lacking in drive. Most importantly I think its passion that fuels drive and that passion for Jesus that leads us to be humble.
Pastor Stovall,
This is a word that needs to be preached as often as possible.
Many preachers quote “resist the devil and he will flee”, but they overlook the fact that we must humble ourselves first. Mainly that means that we realize we can’t do anything without the power of God to assist us.
The word humble appears often in scripture but I think James (the apostle, not Price) and Peter say it best.
James 4:7-10 : 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy .10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
1 Peter 5:6-7 : 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
God Bless!
Martin
Well said sir, it amazes me at how many “leaders” today are oozing with pride and selfishness. When we don our Armor of God it leaves a vulnerable spot in the back when we push out in front of God’s will and attempt to go it alone in pride. Many have been promoted over and above their character by themselves and others.
The cloak of humility is an important piece of your armor and will protect you from the rear attacks of pride and selfishness. I am glad to see you teaching on this incredibly important topic, thanks!
In Him,
Brett
Dear Pastor Stovall,
In all that Jesus demenstrated while
on this earth, his humility still amazes
me. Yet, you are so correct when you
say there has to be a drive along with
the humility. Jesus had both.
It was a wonderful balance.
He gave all, with a driving force that
hell could not stop.
I realize as a believer that we must live
this. I pray that each of us, will have the
balance, for HIS GREAT COMMISION.
Thank you for your faith, and biblical
guidance.
Blessings,
Sheri
Pastor,
Thank you for this post, as I struggle with this every day. I am one that has to examine my motives all the time, as I do like to be in the spotlight, and can get pridefull in a minute if I am not careful. I think it is important to be surounded by brothers and sisters in CHRIST, who you have open and accountable relationships with, to help put you back on track.
This was another thing that you taught me, and we can see it eveidenced by the church’s commitment to groups, and I thank you for that.
This thing we call Christianity is not easy, because we are always in a battle with our flesh, and pride for a guy like me is one that I fight every day. I can see why you preach that all should be a part of a life giving local church, because this is where we learn about who we are. Thank you for keeping us in perspective.
GOD Bless
Jason