Nehemiah’s Leadership Playbook: Humility

Humility

Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for its services! – Nehemiah 13:14

Our final lesson from the leadership example of Nehemiah is humility. For one so passionate about his belief and zealous in enforcing standards, he was also a humble man. There was no air about him. And this was demonstrated in the reference passage today.

We have spent weeks exploring different sterling qualities about Nehemiah both as a person and a leader. He was a crusader and a model for everyone in positions of leadership. He did not just embark on a selfless mission to save his country and people from the squalor they were living in when he left the comfort of the Syrian palace, he also sacrificed a lot and expended himself in the course of doing so. He confronted myriads of challenges to achieve his mission. He battled with many forces, both internal and external, on the path of fulfilling his goal to improve outcome for the people of Judah and rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem.

And he did achieve his objectives and could justifiably shout, “fait accompli!” However, for someone who accomplished so much and can be easily described as a serial achiever, he was also humble and did not allow his success to get into his head. This is remarkable for two reasons.

Firstly, Nehemiah was able to do so much for the citizens. He restored dignity to them, the best thing one can do for any human. Secondly, he was also a staunch advocate for God. He vehemently challenged and castigated those whose lifestyles and conducts were in direct violation of God’s precepts. So, one can say he also achieved for God.

However, Nehemiah never let this make his head get too big for God as to start having a sense of entitlement in his thoughts and communication with Him. At every turn, he only kept praying, “Remember me O God.” In fact, this became a trademark refrain every time he accomplished a feat (Nehemiah 5:19; 13:14; 13:22; 13:31). He would look up to heaven in supplication and ask God to remember him for the good he just did.

He did not do this with an air or arrogance, as some in his shoes might have done. Afterall, they were championing the cause of God. No, not Nehemiah. He was humble through it all and never ceased to use the opportunity to beg God to remember him for good.

It takes humility for a leader to acknowledge his frailties. It also takes a greater humility for a leader to genuinely ask for help. Nehemiah demonstrated to us that leadership does not have to be a high horse experience, where the leader is an all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-sufficient demigod who has neither frailty nor need for help. Even when he has done so much that God would be proud of him, Nehemiah still did not approach God with a haughty attitude. On the contrary, he only pleaded for God to remember him. We can all learn from that, can’t we?

You Will Succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

• Nehemiah’s Leadership Playbook: Spiritual Cleansing
• Understanding God: He is A Nurturer
• A Lesson in Humility
• I Now Keep a Record of Answered Prayers