7 Holy Habits for Highly Dependent LeadersSample

HOLY HABIT #1:

HUMILITY: Becoming More Like Jesus

If you’re anything like me, processing Warning Light #1: “Am I too big for my boots?”[1] was very convicting. That’s because we are all infected with pride, to a greater or lesser degree. If that is so, how then can we become like Jesus, the “gentle and lowly” one (Matthew 11:30)?

Humility is elusive! It comes and goes when we least expect it. Just when you think you’ve reached a state of humility, a prideful attitude is very likely to pop up. Like King Uzziah, we may be relatively humble most of the time and be tripped up by pride as the curtain is about to go down on our lives (2 Chronicles 26:3-5; 16-22).

How long might it take to cultivate a habit of humility? The popular rule of three weeks is too short. Several studies suggest it can take around three months to embed a complex habit, like humility. In my case, it feels more like a lifetime! The 7 Holy Habits in this devotional plan will begin to be embedded into our character and behaviors through a series of practices.

Scripture gives us several glimpses into what humility looks like. Consider these three metaphors: serving others, washing feet, and climbing down.

Serving others

Waiters in a café, for example, are there not to be served, but to serve. When Jesus’ 12 disciples were quarreling about who was the greatest, he said that their rulers lorded it over them, but if they wanted to be great, they must become servants, For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many (Mark 10:43-45).

The following practices are not rules to follow, but postures to try—simple experiments that, over time, may shape humility in you:

Practices that May Become Habits:

• When you meet leadership team members (or family members), pause and ask yourself, “How might I serve this person?”
• If an opportunity presents itself, choose a quiet or unseen way to serve, especially when no one will know.

Washing Feet

In the Upper Room, before Jesus made his way to his crucifixion, despite being infinitely greater than every one of his Twelve disciples, he stooped down and washed their dirty feet. This included the feet of Judas, who would betray him, and Peter, who would deny him (John 13:1-17). What humility! Such grace!

In some cultures, to this day, literal foot washing is still appropriate. For the rest of us, finding ways to do the least enviable, but most refreshing acts of service, is a way in which we can wash one another’s feet.

Practices that May Become Habits:

• Look for ways to encourage someone you lead, especially if you find them difficult or draining.
• Practice one of the biblical one-anothers, such as praying, forgiving, or encouraging, as intentional acts of “foot-washing.”

Climbing Down

We live in a world where people try to climb the leadership ladder. In Philippians 2:5-11, Paul challenges people to be like Jesus, who climbed down to serve others. He describes Jesus’ steps downward: He emptied himself vv. 6-7—although he was God, he became one of us and served us. He humbled himself v.8—By dying for us on the Cross.

Practices that May Become Habits:

• Notice when your position, title, or reputation influences how you relate to others, and lay them aside when they get in the way of loving service.
• Choose a less prominent place or role as a way of reminding yourself that your security comes from God, not status.

Jesus’ Twelve argued among themselves as to who was the greatest. He showed them how to descend into greatness by serving as a humble waiter, encouraging those he led by washing their feet, and climbing down in the sure knowledge that God would exalt him.

Reflect & Discuss:

1. Which of these three metaphors—serving like a waiter, washing feet, or climbing down—most challenges you right now?
2. Where might pride be quietly shaping your leadership decisions or relationships?
3. Which of the suggested practices could you implement this week?
4. How does Jesus’ example of humble service reshape your understanding of true greatness?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, gentle and lowly in heart, I confess that pride still finds a home in me. I want to be seen, affirmed and respected, sometimes more than I want to serve. Teach me the way of humility. Help me to notice where I cling to position. Give me eyes to see simple opportunities to serve. Make me gentler and lowlier like you. I trust you to shape me and lift me up in your time. Amen.

[1] From the YouVersion Plan: “7 Warning Lights for Highly Vulnerable Leaders.”