Katrina Henry
Discussion Board #1 Response
Liberty University
This week’s discussion assignment required students to answer three questions pertaining
to humility and leadership. I agree that leaders should possess certain qualities that equips them
with the necessary skills and tools to not only inspire others but to also effectively lead others. In
order for leaders to lead and inspire others, they must first learn to serve others. Matthew 20:28
shares that “even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a
ransom for many” (English Standard Version). Serving others offers leaders the opportunity to
gain a sense of humility that allows them to understand the purpose and joy of helping others.
Humility prompts leaders to make fair, moral, and ethical decisions that will positively impact
others. Humility also prevents leaders from making self-centered and prideful decisions that only
benefits themselves or thrusts them into the forefront. The Bible shares in Proverbs 11:2 that
“When pride comes [boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonor
and shame, But with the humble [the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have
learned to walk humbly with God] there is wisdom and soundness of mind” (Amplified Bible).
Authors Kayla Walters and Dalia Diab [CITATION Wal16 \n \t \l 1033 ] explained that
successful servant leaders use a combination of attributes that allows them to confidently balance
professional will and personal humility. And author Kai Tiaki [ CITATION Tia14 \l 1033 ]
defines servant leadership as a “management philosophy in which the manager leads by inspiring
others to achieve superior organizational results” (p. 19). It is important for leaders to possess the
character trait of serving others. Serving others allows leader to obtain knowledge of how others
act, feel, and behave. It also allows leaders to learn, grow, and develop certain skills that
enhances their ability to lead others. The Bible declares in Matthew 25:40 that “The King will
answer and say to them, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did it
for one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for Me’” (Amplified Bible).
Serving others not only pleases God but it strengths the determination and resolve of the leader.
I also believe that Jesus is the perfect example of a humble, righteous leader whose gifts,
knowledge, and wisdom continues to inspire others. As a servant of God, it is important for his
followers to ask him for wisdom and understanding to effectively make decisions that not
inspires others but encourages them to inspire others. The scripture James 1:5 supports this as it
states “Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to
everyone. So he will give you wisdom” (Easy-to-Read Version). The Bible also shares in
Proverbs 3:13-14 that “Those who find wisdom are fortunate; they will be blessed when they
gain understanding. Profit that comes from wisdom is better than silver and even the finest gold”
(Easy-to-Read Version).
I enjoyed reading your assignment Brandie. You provided great support for your
viewpoints and it was easy to understand and grasp. Again, great work on this assignment.
References
Tiaki, K. (2014). What is servant leadership? Nursing New England, 1(1), 19-25. Retrieved from
http://go.galegroup.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&u=vic_liberty&id=GALE|
A361846306&v=2.1&it=r&sid=summon&authCount=1
Walters, K., & Diab, D. (2016). Humble leadership: Implications for psychological safety and
follower engagement. Journal of Leadership Studies, 10(2), 7-18. Retrieved from
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/doi/10.1002/jls.21434/full
