1 Peter 5:5 (AMP)
5 Likewise, you who are younger and of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church)—[giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel]. Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)—[and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble.
One of the best ways we can grow is by being ‘teachable’. Our ability to receive feedback can be the determining factor in the speed of our spiritual & leadership development.
7 things to remember if you want to foster growth in your own leadership:
1. You are responsible for your own growth.
2. Humility is a catalyst for blessing.
3. Seek out correction from those above you because they will see things in you that you don’t see in yourself.
4. Seeking out correction means you will grow faster.
5. In order to grow you need to develop an un-offendable spirit.
6. Growing hurts but it is worth it.
7. When you ask for correction it might not be what you want to hear, but its probably what you need to hear in order to grow.
These are things that we have to process through, but if we apply them, will grow us.
1 peter 5:5 explains how God sets himself against proud, insolent, overbearing, disdainful, presumptuous & boastful people. It’s fair to say that these type of traits normally spring from some sort of insecurity and it’s important to understand this because if your insecurities are left un-addressed they have the potential to develop into these behaviours. Your insecurities will disqualify you from Gods calling if left un-addressed.
This same scripture then goes on to say that “God gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble.”
Humility brings grace. What is grace? Undeserved & unmerited favour. As a leader your humility will see you promoted beyond your talent, your skill level and even what you deserve. Then having a teachable spirit will help your skill level catch up.
6 questions to ask yourself if you want to grow
1. Internally and externally how do I respond to correction & feedback?
2. Do I act on the feedback I’m given?
3. Do I value being challenged in order to grow?
4. When I am given feedback that I don’t like what do I do?
5. When was the last time I actively sought out feedback so I can grow?
6. What are 3 things I need to be having conversations about with my leaders/mentors so that I can grow in my personal life and leadership gifting.
