When Position Kneels: The Power of Humble Leadership

Rev. Dr. Samuel D. Stephens

Position can place a person above others, but only humility enables that person to remain close to them. This is one of leadership’s most powerful combinations—and one of its rarest.

Position brings recognition, influence, and authority. Yet, without humility, it can slowly create distance, entitlement, and self-importance.

Position or Service?

The tension is real. Position encourages us to ask:

“How many people serve me?”

Humility asks:

“Whom has God entrusted me to serve?”

Position can make us conscious of our importance; humility keeps us conscious of our dependence upon God.

Jesus Chose the Lowest Place

Jesus held the highest position, yet chose the lowest place. Paul writes:

“Being in very nature God, [He] did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.”

— Philippians 2:6–7

His humility did not diminish His authority. It revealed the true nature of godly authority.

“The way of the Christian leader is not the way of upward mobility…but the way of downward mobility ending on the cross.”

— Henri Nouwen

The Stewardship of Influence

Christian leadership is the stewardship of entrusted influence under the lordship of Christ. Our position is temporary; our accountability to God is eternal.

Humble leaders therefore hold responsibility firmly but position lightly. They listen before speaking, remain correctable, celebrate the gifts of others, and use their influence to help people flourish.

Humility Is Not Weakness

Humility is not weakness, timidity, or reluctance to lead. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, but He also confronted hypocrisy and spoke truth courageously.

Humility does not deny strength; it surrenders strength to God’s purposes.

The True Test of Leadership

Position may cause people to notice us, but humility enables them to trust us. Position can secure compliance; humility inspires willing participation.

The true test of leadership is not how important we become, but whether others become stronger, wiser, and more capable because we led them.

When God Raises You, Kneel Lower

When God raises you, kneel lower. Let every higher position produce deeper humility.