Humble Leadership

Twelve men went to spy in Canaan.
Ten were bad and two were good.

Many of us know the story of the twelve spies sent in to Canaan, the land promised to Israel as an inheritance. Ten of them came back and spread fear in the camp. Two tried to encourage the people that God would give them victory.

The people's lack of trust in God led to 40 years of wandering in the wilderness with the entire adult population dying, never seeing the Promised Land.

What we often overlook is the response of Moses in this.

"And all the people grumbled against Moses and Aaron..." (Numbers 14:2). We're not talking a handful of people among the multitude. We're looking at everyone. 1.5 million people complaining. Calling for new leaders. Calling for someone to take them back to Egypt.

What did Moses and Aaron do?

"Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the people of Israel" (v 5).

Humility. Prayer. Immediacy.

How does that fit into your picture and practice of leadership? Wouldn't you normally be prone to readjust your case, "Well, what I really meant was..." Or attempt to regroup, "We'll take this into consideration and consult with the elders..." Or argue. Or belittle. Or...

But drop to the ground with your face in the dirt?

Further into the chapter we see another example of Moses' humility.

God comes to Moses and says, "I've had enough of these people! Let me wipe them out and start all over with you!"

Sounds like perfect grounds for a church split. These people are wrong. I'm right. I'll just go across town and start another church. And this time, God was telling Moses that He would take care of the bad guys.

How did Moses respond?

"Then the Egyptians will hear of it, for You brought up this people in Your might from among them, and they will tell the inhabitants of this land" (vs 13-14a).

Moses' concern was not for himself. Not even for the people of Israel.

His concern was for God's glory. His concern was that God's name would be ridiculed among the nations, not glorified.

How selfish our leadership decisions can be!

We want to protect our pride. Our territory. Our position.

Maybe we are even acting in behalf of those who are following us.

We want what we or they think is best for them. We want smooth sailing.

But that isn't what Moses wanted.

His desire was God's glory. That was the driving force in his actions.

How about your leadership today?

Moms, as you lead your children throughout the errands and tasks of the day, are you seeking God's glory?

Husbands, dads, as you lead your family, are you seeking God's glory?

Pastors. Employers. Employees. Teachers - are you seeking God's glory in the decisions you make, the conversations that you have?