The Power of Humility in Leadership

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3–4)

When we think about what makes a good leader, we often think of words like "strength," "vision," or "authority." Our world teaches us that a leader is someone at the top, a person who is ambitious and confident enough to rise above everyone else. But the Bible shows us a completely different and better model of leadership. It teaches that the most powerful leaders are not those who lift themselves up, but those who choose to lower themselves in order to lift up others. This powerful idea is perfectly explained in the book of Philippians. The Apostle Paul gives us a clear command that should change the way we think about leadership.

He starts by telling us what not to do: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit...” Paul begins here because he knows our hearts naturally want to serve ourselves. "Selfish ambition" is the desire to get ahead for our own benefit and to use our leadership position to build our own little kingdom. "Conceit" is an empty pride that just wants to be praised by others. As leaders, we must always check our hearts. When we make a decision for our family, is it really for their good, or is it just to make us look like a good parent? When we start a new project at work, is it for the good of the team, or is it just to get us a promotion? Paul tells us that anything we do with these selfish motives is worthless in God's eyes. True Christian leadership starts when we empty ourselves of pride.

Then, Paul tells us what we should do instead: “...but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” This is one of the hardest commands in the Bible. It doesn't mean we should hate ourselves or think we are worthless. It means that in our attitude, we should treat the needs of other people as more important than our own. There are not many examples of true humility in our world that we can point to. But I had a great example myself in the person of my mother. She was a very wise person and very humble as well. She was always putting the needs of her family and others before her own, not because she was weak, but because she was strong in her love. She showed me what it looks like to "count others more significant." This is what it means to be a servant leader. A humble leader doesn't ask, "How can my team help me succeed?" Instead, they ask, "How can I help my team succeed?" When we learn to put others first, we begin to lead like Jesus. This builds trust and makes people feel valued, not used.

Paul makes this idea very practical by saying, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” He knows it's normal to take care of our own needs. But he says a leader's world must be bigger than just their own goals and their own comfort. A leader who is humble is always looking out for the people they are leading. They listen more than they talk. They notice when a team member is struggling. They are happy when others succeed. They are willing to be inconvenienced if it will help someone else. This is what makes someone a true leader, not just a boss.

In the verses that come after this, Paul gives us the greatest example of humble leadership: our Lord Jesus Christ. Even though He was God, He “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). His true power was shown in His great humility. As Christian leaders, we are called to follow His example. The way to be a great leader in God's eyes is not to climb over others to get to the top, but to bend down to serve them. True strength is found not in promoting ourselves, but in putting others first.

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Mark Hobafcovich, is a Kingdom catalyst, pastor, leader, and author of "Defector: A True Story of Tyranny, Liberty and Purpose" , a memoir chronicling his journey to becoming a disciple of Christ inspiring others to live a purposeful life. 

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