Humility and love are not signs of weakness; they are the highest expressions of spiritual maturity and moral strength. In a world obsessed with titles, positions, and recognition, true greatness is revealed not in how high one rises, but in how low one is willing to stoop to serve.
In The image we can see our Primate assisting the Dean with his vestment, despite ecclesiastical hierarchy, speaks volumes. It reminds us that leadership in its purest form is service. Rank does not cancel responsibility to love. Authority does not eliminate the duty to be humble.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMILITY
Humility keeps power from becoming pride.
It reminds leaders that position is a privilege, not a personal achievement.
It creates room for growth, correction, and unity.
A humble person:
Listens before speaking.
Serves without seeking applause.
Recognizes that no one succeeds alone.
Understands that leadership is stewardship.
Humility protects relationships. It preserves peace. It allows collaboration to flourish. Without humility, even the most gifted individual becomes difficult to work with.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVE
Love is the foundation of every meaningful relationship. It moves beyond duty into genuine care. Love compels us to help, to serve, to forgive, and to uplift others—even when we do not have to.
Love:
Breaks down walls built by ego.
Strengthens bonds in times of conflict.
Encourages unity in diversity.
Makes authority compassionate.
When humility and love work together, leadership becomes transformative. Communities grow. Institutions remain strong. Hearts are healed.
THE DANGERS OF PRIDE AND LOVELESSNESS
Where humility is absent, pride takes control.
Pride:
Isolates leaders.
Destroys trust.
Breeds competition instead of cooperation.
Turns service into self-promotion.
Where love is absent:
Relationships become transactional.
Authority becomes oppressive.
Unity collapses.
Bitterness replaces brotherhood.
History and experience both teach that organizations do not fall first because of lack of talent, but because of lack of character. Pride divides. Lovelessness wounds. Both erode the very foundations of leadership.
True spiritual and moral authority is proven in small acts of service. A hand extended to assist. A willingness to stoop. A heart that values people above position.
Humility does not reduce dignity; it refines it.
Love does not weaken authority; it legitimizes it.
In the end, titles fade, ranks change, and positions pass—but humility and love leave a legacy that endures.
May we rise high enough to lead, yet remain low enough to serve.
The Rev’d RAYMOND NDUBUISI
Writing from Uratta Umuoha, Isiala Ngwa.
