Our culture seems to hang a lot on what a celebrity thinks or says. Some of it might be good; some no so good.
Mediocre authors gained immediate audiences when Oprah’s Book Club Selection featured his/her book. It was like “immediate sensation-time” for the author. Garnering an unprecedented readership from her endorsement was like sausage gravy on a “regular” biscuit.
Advertising knows the value of an athlete with celebrity status. Shoes. Clothing.
Bedding, but since when does a celebrity-named sheet fit better than a generic one?
Even grills received attention when it said George Foreman in front of it.
Celebrity status reaches the church as well. We have celebrity TV evangelists…celebrity pastors. Seems like they were regulars on Larry King Live and are regulars on other talk shows. Their books sell in stratospheric numbers. Media hangs on to their words and films their actions (good and bad). Literally thousands flock to their church buildings for “Christianity Lite” sermons. Their TV shows are beamed all over the world. They wear thousand dollar suits or outfits; have their own private planes; million dollar mansions, etc Their word is like gold. (Can I throw up now?)
Some pastors are “flash-in-the-pan” celebrities. They give off a flash and then burn out before our very eyes. Some are innovative creative attention-hungry to the point of ridiculous. Now, please understand I am not talking about all. Some have shown staying power by their commitment to biblical integrity and a desire to stay out of the spotlight. Some have shown a quality that many of the celebrity people wouldn’t dream of having.
AND WHAT IF, WHAT IF, THERE WAS A SUDDEN INFUSION OF THIS MIRACLE QUALITY?
What quality is that? Well, here…let me use a quote I read by Louie Giglio tell you:
If Jesus rode in low on a donkey, then we should go ahead and get down off our high horse.
That quality? HUMILITY
One of the most piercing chapters of The Catalyst Leader by Brad Lomenick is the chapter titled Principled. Brad gives three elements of being principled. His #1 element is Humility. WOW! Talk about a chapter/section that leaves no stone unturned! As Rick Warren says, “Humility is not denying your strengths. It is being honest about your weaknesses.” Humble leaders don’t need praise, accolades, or credit to perform. Their answers begin with “we” or “us” or “our,” not “me” or “I” or “my.”
I truly do not begrudge those who are “the person of the moment.” Unless, of course, their theology is whacked or lifestyle “out to lunch.” God gives each of us a ministry-some are more high profile than others. But in any case, humility is essential. No matter who we are…what we do…where we live…where we minister.
How important is humility for you to see in your leaders? Do you have a checking point for your own thoughts about yourself?
I used to listen to Charles Swindoll’s Insight for Living program on the radio when I was driving home. It always seemed that he was one of the people who got it. It was like he was talking to me, to my heart. I felt a connection to him for the good. I have read dozens of this books and still very much enjoy him. He is one of those with a humble attitude.
100% with you on him Daniel. He is one man I truly respect.
Such a great post.
I’m at a complete loss in understanding how some people gain celebrity both inside and outside the church.
I think a lot of the problem is that we were created to worship and when we refuse to worship the only one who deserves true worship, we look for substitutes. Those substitutes will always be counterfeits and will never provide lasting fulfillment.
I concur with your thought about being created to worship. A failure to choose the ONE to worship leads to substitutes. I too am at a loss to explain the celebrity status people have garnered. Thanks for coming by Rodney.
I remmber a youth minister at a church I grew up in. My grandfather was doing some work on church secretary’s office. The church was without a pastor at the time. The youth minister came in and started questioning my grandfather about it. My grandfather asked him what business it was of his. He puffed up and said he was looking out for “his” secretary.” My grandfather said, “Funny, I thought she was the church’s secretary.” The youth minister left in a huff.
I will sometimes describe the church secretary as “my” secretary. I mean, office manager. 🙂 Nothing is implied but there can be a sort of pride and possessiveness that develops. It can lead to pride (which it sounds like the youth pastor had developed).
Humility is very important in becoming or being a good leader. Reference…”Good to Great” a book by Jim Collins on corporate leadership.
Humility is a state of “no pretense”. It is not timidity, meekness, or self denigration. It is Pride in oneself without arrogance.
Poor leaders exhibit a zeal to express one’s point of view. Often correcting others to satisfy their own needs for superiority.
Real leaders share their successes and often say “You are right”. They focus on the mission before themselves.
Love what you say here Jeff. You have been a leader and been around enough to have this experience which you have shared here. Thanks for taking the time to give some good thoughts.
Humility is one of the “most” important factors in my idea of great leaders. I try to remain fairly humble myself. I once interviewed an owner of a business who said humility was key to success. He said if he were any animal he’d be a worm because they’re humble, the live in the ground, eat dirt, and live when cut into pieces.
I agree Dan. Perfect example is Jesus Himself. Interesting idea on the worm.
Humility is the very foundation of love. As you stated, if our namesake is Christ, He should be our example. Not the Pharisees.
It cannot be called love if there is no humility. Thanks Floyd.
Our culture doesn’t value humility but God did, so we should.
Eating humble pie is never fun, but if we learn from it, it is of great value.
I would much rather follow a humble pastor/leader than one who’s full oh himself and not God.
So true about our culture TC. That last statement is also very true…least for me.
I don’t think anyone should become rich teaching the Word of God. You’re doing real good in that area:-)
Yep. 🙂
Great leaders clothe themselves with humility. Being and maintaining our humility is so essential when it comes to having a positive impact. A great example is when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. What an example to follow.
Not only is Jesus the perfect example but also that incident is the perfect example. Thanks Dan for bringing that to our minds.
Humility is the key. Paul said he learned contentment in all things, whether in plenty or in lack. We don’t know when lack will rear its head and we have to stay humble to walk where God’s called us (especially if the lack comes AFTER the plenty). It’s all wrapped up in trusting Him. Thanks Bill.
Good point about Paul. Contentment is a tough attitude to have if you are looking at “now” and not at God’s plan. Thanks jason.
I agree that humility is very important, but i have also seen some circles where humility has become an idol – believe it or not – it is like a competition for who can be the lowest, and throw off the most praise offered to them. The fact is Jesus created us with a in-grained desire for greatness, and often taught how to press toward it. When the guys pressed in with pride, He told them true greatness came through service – if you want to be great – be the servant – He did not say – don’t try to be great – He just directed them to be great servants. (oh and do it with humility)
by the way – i am so with you on the nausea over some of today’s “greats” – preaching sermonetts for Christianetts – or are they marionettes? who knows
I hadn’t given that a thought about the competition aspect Ben. Interesting thought to consider. I chuckled with the picture of the marionette.
Ben has shared something important. If we don’t watch our thoughts carefully and monitor attitude, the carnal mind will pervert humility and turn it into pride over how humble we are.
Thanks for talking about humility and leadership. It seems like they couldn’t co-exist, but with the good leaders, they do! God bless you . .your a celebrity to us! 🙂
They most definitely can co-exist Deb. i will defer on that last statement. 🙂