Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 4; Psalm 76

The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished…
Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. – Proverbs 16:5,18

It is a privilege to be called by God into ministry. We are blessed to gain from the preaching and teaching of those who have accepted that call. But the leader must be careful to guard the responsibility of this calling, while also protecting themselves from the temptation of arrogance and pride. It is easy to get caught up in the glory of the position and forget that we are called to be humble servants of God.

So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. – 1 Corinthians 4:1-4

As a congregation, it is important for us to respect the calling of our leader and pray for them as they serve God by serving the church. God is not calling us to treat their position like royalty or worship the ground they walk on. They are human just like we are. We need to find a healthy balance of loving support and godly wisdom, demonstrating appreciation and honor without contributing to the enemy’s temptation of pride and haughtiness.

So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due. – 1 Corinthians 4:5

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE SINFUL PRIDE OF THE LEADER

One of the saddest things to watch is when someone in leadership messes up, whether it is a politician or a pastor, or simply a highly respected individual in the church or community. So often we watch someone who has been blessed in SO many ways start thinking SO highly of themselves that they have an affair or are caught in some kind of ungodly or illegal behavior. Pride is dangerous, and Satan loves to convince us that we are invincible and that we deserve what we want – that no one will ever know our secret. The lies of the enemy take hold and we fall into the trap of arrogance.

What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift? – 1 Corinthians 4:7b

You think you already have everything you need. You think you are already rich. You have begun to reign in God’s kingdom without us! – 1 Corinthians 4:8a

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE SINFUL PRIDE OF THE CHURCH

Paul warned the church of how destructive their arrogance and pride was becoming. He cared about these believers and he wanted them to serve only God and not their own selfish ambitions. He knew they needed accountability in order to stay focused on the gospel and not on themselves. Paul’s words of instruction and warning to the church in Corinth are helpful for all of us to listen to as well.

Some of you have become arrogant, thinking I will not visit you again. But I will come – and soon – if the Lord lets us, and then I’ll find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God’s power. For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. Which do you choose? Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit. – 1 Corinthians 4:18-21

Lord, help us to keep our eyes on you as we daily live out your purpose for our lives. May we never get so caught up in position or title that we forget our place in your Kingdom. Forgive us for those moments and seasons when we have been found trusting in our own abilities and talents instead of fully leaning into your power and wisdom. Amen.

Make vows to the Lord your God, and keep them.
Let everyone bring tribute to the Awesome One.
For he breaks the pride of princes,
and the kings of the earth fear him. – Psalm 76:11-12