I’ve been reading another Richard Foster book called the Freedom of Simplicity. It’s not the easiest of reads, but this quote on humility is outstanding:
But humility is as elusive as it is desirable. We all know that it can never be gained by seeking it. The more we pursue it, the more distant it becmoes. To think we have it is sure evidence that we don’t. But there is a way for humility to come into the habit patterns of our lives. Holy obedience opens the door. It is a central means of God’s grace to work humility into us. It is not hard to see how this can be. When the whole of our vision is filled with the Holy, petty selfishness is squeezed out. Perpetual God-conciousness of necessity eliminates self-conciousness. . . .
After hearing that Jim Collins concluded from extensive data research that humility is the one common characteristic of all great leaders, I thought this quote was even more appropos. I also love the fact that human research bears out what Christ taught us all so long ago. “The greatest among you will be your servant.” Matthew 23:11.