“To love at all is to be vulnerable.”

– C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves

In our society, leaders who demonstrate strength are highly valued. Our world tells us that leaders should have all the answers, never reach their limitations, and demonstrate strength in all situations—even if they have to fake it. 

Vulnerability, however, is an essential part of the character of all great leaders. To be vulnerable is to lower our protective barriers for the sake of being seen, known, and loved, and to create space for others to do the same.

In the story of Ruth, we see our heroine demonstrate radical vulnerability as she lovingly follows her mother-in-law, Naomi, away from the safety of her people and homeland into an unknown future. This decision of vulnerable leadership led to a better future for Ruth, the redemption of Naomi’s family line, the birth of King David, and the eventual birth of Jesus.

In this, Ruth courageously created space for God to demonstrate his power and love not only for her, but for Naomi, the people of Israel, and ultimately the world.

Many of us, as leaders, struggle with letting down our walls of protection, because being vulnerable means allowing our truest selves to be seen—and with them, the weaknesses, shortcomings, and insecurities that we all have. As leaders it can be difficult to even admit these things to ourselves and God, let alone to others, but when we allow radical vulnerability to permeate our lives and leadership, incredible things start to happen.

This does not mean that we are careless with when, what, how, and with whom we share our truest selves, but it does mean that we seek to offer healthy, intentional, and prayerful transparency in our lives and leadership.

Intentional vulnerability allows us as leaders to open ourselves up to accountability instead of prideful irresponsibility, to subject ourselves to God’s leading instead of our own personal agendas, and to grow in empathy and compassion for those we have been entrusted to serve.

Vulnerability also allows us to release trust in our own fortitude as we lead. Paul, one of the wisest leaders in church history, records Christ as saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). As a result, Paul is able to “boast” in these weaknesses of his, “so that Christ’s power may reside” in him (v. 9).

When we, as leaders, recognize our weakness before God and make our weakness known to others, our trust shifts from leaning on our own impressiveness to leaning on the strength of God.

That said, it is also important to note that this does not mean that we are to be comfortable with all weakness. In particular, the weakness of the flesh—that is, our natural inclinations to pursue selfishness and give into sin—is something we are called to actively fight against through prayer and watchfulness (see Matthew 26:41, Romans 8:8, Galatians 5:19–21, etc.). 

Because of this, careful and prayerful self-examination is vital if we are to intentionally allow God to put to death our fleshly desires (see Romans 8:13), and instead keep “in step with the Spirit” (see Galatians 5:25).

Satan wants nothing more than to see godly leaders fall. This is why Scripture gives such severe exhortations, like in 1 Peter 5:8–10, to be “sober-minded” and “alert”: because our “adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” Peter tells believers to “resist him” and stand firm in the faith, echoing James’ words: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (4:7).

The irony of these biblical commands, of course, is that to truly contend with our fleshly weakness and grow in godly strength, we must again subject ourselves to radical vulnerability with God and others.

As we approach our leadership with vulnerability in mind, how might we engage God more vulnerably in prayer? Who are some safe people that we can start practicing radical vulnerability with? 

I pray that by taking these first steps of vulnerability, we see God begin to show his strength in our lives and leadership in new and incredible ways. And like Ruth, may we act with a radical vulnerability causing ripples that are felt for generations.

To consider: 

1. In what areas do you find yourself struggling to be vulnerable with yourself, God, or others?

2. How might the people around you be a support to you in your human weaknesses (of either sort) as you work to strengthen your leadership effectiveness?

3. What is one way God might be calling you to trust him more deeply with your leadership role and step out in vulnerability with him and others? What positive outcomes may occur by doing so?

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