“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” — Luke 14:11 (NIV)
Jesus never minced words when it came to the heart posture He looks for in His followers. In Luke 14, after watching guests scramble for the best seats at a dinner party, He told a parable with a punch: Don’t take the place of honor—take the lowest place. Why? Because the Kingdom of God operates on a completely different value system than the world.
What Humility Is—And Isn’t
Humility isn’t self-deprecation. It’s not about pretending you’re less gifted or less valuable than you really are. Humility is seeing yourself clearly in light of who God is. It’s acknowledging that everything we are and everything we have is a gift from Him. It’s remembering that our talents, our platforms, and even our spiritual maturity are not badges of superiority, but tools to serve others.
Humility says, “It’s not about me.” It doesn’t demand attention. It doesn’t compete for recognition. Instead, it points others to Jesus.
Humility in Worship Leadership
As a worship leader, musician, or pastor, you walk a tightrope. You’re visible, upfront, and often admired. But the moment we begin to believe we deserve that spotlight, we step into dangerous territory. I’ve seen it in myself—and I’ve watched it subtly derail ministries.
Humility in worship looks like:
- Serving your team before serving your own preferences.
- Celebrating others’ talents without feeling threatened.
- Taking feedback without defensiveness.
- Making room for new, less experienced team members to grow.
- Remembering that the goal is not a perfect performance but God’s glory.
Jesus’ Model of Humility
Philippians 2 says Jesus “made Himself nothing… taking the nature of a servant.” If the Son of God knelt to wash feet, we can lead from our knees too.
Jesus didn’t seek platforms—He sought people. He didn’t fight for prestige—He poured out His life. And what did the Father do? He exalted Him to the highest place (Phil. 2:9). That’s the principle of the Kingdom: humility precedes honor.
Leading from a Low Place
A few questions for reflection:
- Do I crave affirmation more than I crave God’s approval?
- Am I as eager to serve behind the scenes as I am to lead from the front?
- When I succeed, do I give God the credit—or quietly keep the glory?
A Prayer for Humility
Lord, keep me grounded in Your grace. Help me lead with an awareness of my dependence on You. Let my life, my music, my leadership—all of it—point people to You and not to me. May I remember that the way up in Your Kingdom always begins with humility.
Final Thoughts
True humility doesn’t limit us—it frees us. It invites God to work through us, because we’re no longer in His way. As worship leaders, pastors, and believers, may we walk humbly with our God, knowing that He sees, He honors, and He exalts those who serve from the shadows.
Let’s be people who lead from a place of humility and grace.
