It seems that with every measure of grace in ministry comes a seed of arrogance—a seed of pride that hungers to lay claim to the gift or the ability. And if that seed takes life and germinates, it will grow into something deadly. This silent danger arrives with giftedness and is always lurking before the minister.
The Scriptures give us the original picture of this often-untamed beast in the fall of Satan.
Originally in the words of Yahweh in Isaiah:
“But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ Nevertheless you will be brought down to Sheol, To the recesses of the pit.”
— Isaiah 14:13–15 (LSB)
And again, in the book of Ezekiel:
“You had the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God… You were the anointed cherub who covers, And I placed you there. You were on the holy mountain of God… You were blameless in your ways From the day you were created Until unrighteousness was found in you.”
— Ezekiel 28:12–15 (LSB)
Pride is the capstone of sin—the fruit of a heart at odds with the will of God. It is what crowned Satan’s fall. Once the most beautiful, once a worship leader in the presence of God, he refused to remain under divine authority. He was cast down. The same story still plays out in human hearts today, including the hearts of those called to serve in ministry.
This seed grows unrestrained and becomes a crown of identity over the wayward heart. This crown of pride speaks many familiar lies:
- “It was not my fault. Everybody else is wrong.”
- “Someone else caused me to do it.”
- “I can engage in this with impunity.”
- “I deserve this.”
- “I can take liberties others cannot.”
- “My position allows it.”
- “I am better.”
- “I can hold the fire and not get burned.”
- “No, I didn’t do it.”
Pride is the crown that sets holiness aside. It is pride that says, “I can covet another man’s wife… take what is not mine… curse… blaspheme… hate… “borrow” … worship myself.” It is the appetite that answers only to itself. Pride blinds the heart from the Spirit of God.
We would like to believe this crown cannot find a place in the heart of a pastor, an elder, a preacher—one set apart as holy unto Yahweh—but it does. It may evidence itself in the quiet satisfaction after a sermon: “That was some good preaching,” as the handkerchief wipes the face. It shows itself in the subtle comparison, the sense of having “gotten better,” or the quiet enjoyment of applause or influence. It shows itself when position begins to feel like entitlement. “I deserve to be here,” or “They should be thankful that they have me.” It may be the simple title of “pastor,” or “elder” that puffs up the man’s heart. And sets the roots deeper.
There is still no shortage of pride in the pulpit.
The damage done to once faithful servants in ministry is daunting. And this seed of pride, left unchecked, is ample cause to remove a pastor from the office of shepherd (Titus 1:7). The shepherd who holds that he himself is the crescendo of God’s grace will endure God’s opposition. Pride as a besetting sin both disqualifies the pastor from pastoral ministry, and invites the judgment of God.
Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.
— Proverbs 16:5 (LSB)
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.
— Proverbs 16:18 (LSB)
Pride cannot identify itself; it is blind to its own existence, much less able to condemn itself. It certainly is not willing to be part of its own demise.
But in the end the crown of pride will tarnish and fade—it cannot stand before the holiness of God. It cannot endure before that holy fire. The same God who cast the anointed cherub down still opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.
Shepherds, we straddle a very precarious calling: to excel in the fields of the Lord, and yet, remain careful to concede to Him every bit of fruit revealed. Our quest is to have a heart for God, and know that we are temporary vessels. Every single gift is on loan for His glory. Every ability is for kingdom growth.
But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
— James 4:6 (LSB)
Do we seek the opposition of God in any part of our lives? Then we must abide in Him.
Do we yearn for grace—greater grace? Then we must worship God in our humility.
Do we truly believe in one true God? Then each day we must surrender ourselves.
I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
— Galatians 2:20 (LSB)
