Guard Against Pride in Ministry

Pride is one of the most destructive forces in our spiritual lives, and it runs rampant even among those of us deeply committed to serving God. We see this played out in Luke 9 as Jesus teaches His disciples about true greatness. The disciples are so focused on themselves, arguing about which of them is greatest, completely missing the point that their very selection as Jesus' followers was an act of God's unmerited grace. Yet Jesus, who held all authority in heaven and earth, came humbly. He was born to a poor family, served others by washing their feet, and submitted Himself to death on a cross. If Christ Himself refused to grasp at pride despite having every right to it, how can we justify being prideful in our own accomplishments, our own groups, or our own zeal for ministry?

We must guard against pride in three critical ways. First, we must not be prideful in our own greatness, remembering that everything we are comes from God's grace alone. Second, we must not be prideful in our groups or denominations, but instead focus on the unified mission of reaching a lost world for Christ. Third, we must check our zeal and passion, ensuring our motives align with Jesus' heart to seek and save the lost rather than condemn them. Like John, who transformed from wanting to call down fire on those who rejected Jesus to becoming the beloved disciple who wrote that God is love, we too can be radically changed by Christ. So I challenge you today to lay down your pride at the foot of the cross and focus only on what Christ has accomplished through His grace.