Leading with Humility
Leading with Humility: Lessons from Moses
In a world that often equates leadership with dominance, ambition, and self-promotion, humility can seem like an outdated or even ineffective trait. Yet, scripture tells us that humility is the key to true leadership success. Proverbs 22:4 states:
"Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life."
One of the greatest examples of humility in leadership is found in the life of Moses. His journey—from an Egyptian prince to a shepherd, from a reluctant leader to the deliverer of God’s people—shows us how humility and teachability define great leaders.
The Humble Beginnings of a Great Leader
Moses was raised in Pharaoh’s palace, groomed with the privileges and education of Egyptian royalty. By all accounts, he had the potential to be a powerful ruler in Egypt. Yet, his defining leadership moment did not come from a position of power, but from an act of humility—stepping away from his royal identity to stand with his oppressed people.
When Moses killed an Egyptian taskmaster in defense of a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-12), he realized that he could no longer stay in Pharaoh’s household. He fled to the wilderness, where he spent 40 years as a humble shepherd in Midian. This was the beginning of God shaping Moses into a leader.
The world tells us that leaders should chase opportunities and strive for prominence. But in God’s economy, leadership is often shaped in obscurity. Moses had to be humbled before he could be exalted. The same is true for us—sometimes, God places us in seasons of hiddenness to refine our character before calling us into greater leadership.
Humility Opens the Door for God's Calling
When God called Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-12), Moses responded not with confidence but with doubt. Instead of seeing himself as a great deliverer, he saw his inadequacies:
"Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11)
"Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and tongue." (Exodus 4:10)
Rather than being self-assured, Moses was painfully aware of his weaknesses. And yet, this was exactly why God chose him. God doesn’t look for leaders who rely on their own strength; He looks for those who depend on Him.
Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves; it is about thinking of ourselves less. Moses’ humility allowed him to step into God’s plan without seeking personal glory. This is a reminder that God uses leaders who acknowledge their dependence on Him rather than their own abilities.
Teachability: A Key to Longevity in Leadership
One of the most remarkable things about Moses is that even after leading millions of Israelites out of Egypt, he remained teachable. In Exodus 18, we see a pivotal moment in Moses' leadership when his father-in-law, Jethro, visits him in the wilderness. Jethro observes Moses handling every dispute and responsibility by himself and tells him:
"What you are doing is not good… You will only wear yourself out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone." (Exodus 18:17-18)
Moses, despite being chosen by God, listens to Jethro and implements a system of delegation, appointing capable leaders to help judge and lead the people. This moment is significant—Moses could have dismissed Jethro’s advice, insisting that he was God’s appointed leader. Instead, he humbly received counsel and adjusted his leadership approach.
True leaders never stop learning. They recognize that wisdom can come from unexpected sources—mentors, colleagues, and even those under their leadership. Moses’ willingness to listen and change ensured that he could effectively lead the Israelites for 40 years.
A teachable leader is a growing leader. When we become unteachable, we stop growing, and when we stop growing, our leadership starts declining. Moses' story reminds us that humility and teachability go hand in hand.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Humility and Teachability
Acknowledge Your Limitations – Recognize that you don’t have all the answers and that leadership is a continual learning process. Be open to feedback and correction.
Seek Wise Counsel – Surround yourself with people who can challenge and guide you. Be willing to listen, just as Moses listened to Jethro.
Admit Mistakes and Make Changes – Great leaders own up to their mistakes and adjust their course. Moses didn't let pride keep him from delegating responsibilities.
Embrace Servant Leadership – Jesus, the greatest leader of all, washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15). Lead by serving others rather than seeking to be served.
Pray for a Humble Heart – Ask God to cultivate humility within you. Pride can easily creep in, but a heart surrendered to God remains humble and teachable.
The Reward of Humble Leadership
Proverbs 22:4 tells us that humility leads to "riches, honor, and life." These rewards are not just material but spiritual and eternal. Moses' humility and teachability allowed him to be one of the greatest leaders in history—leading millions of people, witnessing miracles, and experiencing intimate encounters with God.
Ultimately, Moses' leadership wasn't about him—it was about God's greater plan. And that is the essence of humility: recognizing that leadership is not about our success but about serving God’s purpose.
As you step into your own leadership journey, whether in ministry, business, or family life, remember Moses. Lead with humility. Stay teachable. And trust that in surrendering your leadership to God, He will equip you to do far more than you ever imagined.
What steps will you take today to become a more humble and teachable leader? Let’s continue this conversation in the comments!
