The Key Character Quality of All

What do you think is the most important character quality needed by all Christians in the home, church, community, ministry, or mission worldwide?

Margaret (my dear wife of 47 years) and I were discussing this on our regular fast walk, and both of us agreed the key quality needed is "humility".

Humility enables a leader (pastor, elder, mission/ministry director, Sunday school teacher, committee chairman, worship leader, etc.) to accept suggestions and even criticism without becoming defensive and offended. Because of a lack of humility, people get upset if there is any type of suggestion for improvement or even for a slight change. For example, board members will not bring up certain matters which need to be dealt with because of fear of offense or outburst of anger.

I have worked with Christian leaders, pastors and Christian workers worldwide, people you had to be extremely careful around all because of a lack of humility (I would hasten to say, however, that some of the most humble and godly people I have worked with and been around have been leaders).

What about you and me? Have we followed the command of Scripture regarding humility? "As those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, HUMILITY, gentleness, patience...." (Colossians 3:2).

So, how are we dressed? Have we put on humility?