Humility and leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ

     Jesus is the supreme example of humility for the true Christian. Even though He is God, "being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." ( Phil. 2:8 NKJV) He teaches that "whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." ( Matthew 18:4 NKJV) When Paul addresses the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 he says "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner i lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility..." (Acts 20:18b-19a) And Peter, also addressing elders writes, "nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." ( 1 Peter 5:3) Later in the same chapter he writes, "All of you be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He might exalt you in due time." (1 Peter 5:b-6 NKJV)
     When a person is genuinely converted many "external" sins can die at once. But pride seems to be an almost intractable reality, something we must put to death every day. Perhaps the key is understanding who we are as humans in contrast to a supremely infinite and holy God.
     I believe that personal insecurity and lack of trust in God are at the heart of our pride. True security comes from believing and walking in who God says that we are in Jesus Christ. Trusting in God is the opposite of the overpowering need to control the people around us. Sadly i have experienced this many times in the church. The truly humble seldom become leaders; those who have to control other people do.