I am willing to bet that not one of the Beatitudes, especially meekness—sometimes equated with humility, is a part of the top 10 leadership traits.
Godly traits like humility or meekness aren’t included but are essential when dealing with people.
I have witnessed people of rank and means throw their name tags at unsuspecting customer service representatives. These high-level professionals detest identification questions, although it’s unrealistic to think everyone should or would know them!
It would’ve been a further insult if the person had checked the badge.
In a position of vulnerability, the gatekeeper had no choice but to apologize, hand over the badge, and allow entry to eliminate any other problems.
What a lack of humility on the part of the highfalutin professional!
The interaction reminds us that humility, the lack of pride or self-assertion, is crucial in all our interactions, especially when dealing with those in service roles.
Cashiers, waiters, maids, or individuals in other service roles aren’t doormats for others to wipe their feet on.
When one considers and believes “God is no respecter of persons,” learning humility is very important. In other words, there are no big I’s and little you’s with God.
Christ is the same for all!
We can honor and respect others while desiring not to be disrespected or dishonored.
Although humility is not singled out as a Beatitude, it isn’t so different from meekness. Humility is a word often used to describe meekness.
Don’t take someone’s meekness or gentleness for weakness is a familiar saying.
Meek people don’t lack confidence in themselves or their strengths. They have self-control, aren’t easily provoked, and are patient in controversial situations.
Meek people are modest and don’t need to prove they are better than others. Like humility, pride is not a component of meekness.
This tit-for-tat or revengeful world has little value for the traits of gentleness or meekness.
Numbers 12:3 (NIV) states, “Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.”
Moses deserved the humble crown.
The ESV for the same verse uses meek instead of humble. “Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.”
Moses deserved the meek crown.
Both humility and meekness are godly attributes that society and the world don’t understand and look down upon.
The Bible says those as humble as a child are the greatest in God’s heavenly kingdom.
Like the other Beatitudes, a promise accompanies meekness. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
Christians know that revenge or retaliation are the methods of Satan and not of God. Humble and meek Christians are godly agents of peace and love.
Although we live in a different age from Jesus’ time on earth, the meaning of meekness and humility remains the same. Christians’ godly traits are timeless.
Esteeming others more than oneself is a part of humility and meekness.
Humble Christians aren’t self-willed; they rely on God’s Word with the guidance of His Holy Spirit.
Romans 12:19 ESV says, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”
Moses was one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known.
Today, we still need leaders with humility and meekness.
“T. S. Lewis said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
Be well.