This week, we continue to look at attitude and how it relates to character and spiritual leadership.

Albert Einstein said, “Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.” Attitude and courage are closely linked much like integrity and courage in that courage is a learned attitude with subsequent actions and behaviors.

Throughout Scripture, God’s most effective leaders have had the common trait of humility. It does not mean weakness or meekness. In the Purpose Drive Life book, Rick Warren writes, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. It is thinking more of others. Humble people are so focused on serving others, they do not think of themselves.”

An effective leader must have a servant’s heart. We only need to look at Jesus to see the perfect example of this. Leaders who do not live this out often become leaders who allow power to make them arrogant and full of pride. This usually sets them up for a fall. Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before the fall and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Politics, business, sports, religion and entertainment all provide us many examples of this.

Scripture is filled with the contrast between pride and humility. Jesus said in both Matthew and Luke, “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” This is exactly what God did for Him as He humbles himself to death, even death on the cross for you and me. He will exalt us in carrying out our leadership when we live and lead out an attitude of humility.