Avoiding Human Pride in Ministry and Ministry Success
Avoiding Human Pride in Ministry and Ministry Success
The biblical concept of avoiding human pride in ministry and ministry success is rooted in the understanding that all accomplishments and gifts come from God. The book of Job highlights this theme, stating that God's purpose is "that he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man" [1]. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where the apostle Paul cautions against pride in human leaders, emphasizing that everything is a gift from God, and therefore, "there is no room for pride; humble gratitude is the only appropriate attitude" [3].
In 1 Corinthians 3:21, Paul exhorts believers not to glory in men, warning against over-valuing their teachers and setting them at the head of parties. Matthew Henry interprets this passage as a caution against forgetting that ministers are human and deserving of reverence, but not worship [2]. This warning is particularly relevant in the context of ministry success, where the temptation to pride and self-aggrandizement can be strong.
The biblical wisdom literature also addresses the issue of pride in ministry. Proverbs 25:6 advises against self-promotion and vying with others in a way that is boastful or arrogant. Matthew Henry comments that religion teaches humility and self-denial, encouraging believers to behave with lowliness and reverence towards their superiors [4]. Similarly, Tyndale House notes that haughtiness cultivates pride, leading to failure, while humility leads to the honor of success [6].
The apostle Paul's own example is instructive in this regard. In 1 Corinthians 9:15, he notes that he has waived his privilege of receiving support from the Corinthian church, choosing instead to work and support himself. Matthew Henry observes that Paul's decision was motivated by a desire to avoid being a burden to the church and to maintain his independence [7].
In the context of ministry, a good reputation among those outside the church is also essential. John Gill comments on 1 Timothy 3:7, noting that a minister's good report among outsiders is necessary to invite persons to hear them and to recommend their ministry [8]. This highlights the importance of humility and integrity in ministry, as a reputation for pride or arrogance can be a significant obstacle to effective ministry.
The biblical emphasis on humility is not limited to personal character but also extends to the way success is viewed. Tyndale House comments on Ecclesiastes 4:4, noting that most people are motivated to success by a competitive drive, but the Teacher recommends moderation and a rejection of envy [5]. This perspective encourages ministers to reevaluate their motivations and to prioritize humility over personal achievement.
Ultimately, the avoidance of human pride in ministry and ministry success requires a deep understanding of the biblical principles of humility and gratitude. As Tyndale House notes on Proverbs 11:2, pride is dishonest self-promotion, whereas humility is an honest assessment of one's strengths and weaknesses [9]. By embracing this understanding, ministers can cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that all success and accomplishment come from Him.
The historical Christian tradition has consistently emphasized the importance of humility in ministry. The Nonconformist and Puritan traditions, represented by commentators like Matthew Henry, have stressed the need for ministers to avoid pride and to cultivate humility. Similarly, the Baptist and Reformed traditions, represented by John Gill, have highlighted the importance of a good reputation among outsiders and the need for ministers to be mindful of their impact on those outside the church.
Sources
- Job “That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. -- Job 33:17”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 3:21: Here the apostle founds an exhortation against over-valuing their teachers on what he had just said, and on the consideration that they had an equal interest in all their ministers: Therefore let no man glory in men (Co1 3:21) - forget that their ministers are men, or pay that deference to them that is due only to God, set them at the head of parties, have them in immoderate esteem and admiration, and servilely and implicitly follow their directions and submit to their dictates, and especially in contradiction to God and the truths taught by his Holy Spirit”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 4:7: 4:7 Pride in a particular leader results from failure to realize that everything is a gift from God. There is no room for pride; humble gratitude is the only appropriate attitude.”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 25:6: Here we see, 1. That religion is so far from destroying good manners that it reaches us to behave ourselves lowly and reverently towards our superiors, to keep our distance, and give place to those to whom it belongs "Put not forth thyself rudely and carelessly in the king's presence, or in the presence of great men; do not compare with them" (so some understand it); "do not vie with them in apparel, furniture, gardens, house-keeping, or retinue, for that is an affront to them and will waste thy own estate." 2. That religion teaches us humility and self-denial, ”
- Ecclesiastes (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ecclesiastes 4:4: 4:4 Most people are motivated to success by a competitive drive. Since the fruits of these efforts have no intrinsic value, the Teacher recommends that moderation (4:5-6) replace envy.”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 18:12: 18:12 Haughtiness cultivates pride. It leads to failure because it does not allow for change in the face of criticism. Humility learns from others and leads to the honor of success.”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 9:15: Here he tells them that he had, notwithstanding, waived his privilege, and lays down his reason for doing it. I. He tells them that he had neglected to claim his right in times past: I have used none of these things, Co1 9:15. He neither ate nor drank himself at their cost, nor led about a wife to be maintained by them, nor forbore working to maintain himself. From others he received a maintenance, but not from them, for some special reasons. Nor did he write this to make his claim now. Though he here asserts his right, yet he does not claim his due; but de”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 3:7: Moreover, he must have a good report of them which are without, That is, "without the church", as the Arabic version reads; for wicked men, though they dislike the principles and profession of godly ministers, and despise their office, yet cannot but speak well of their becoming life and conversation. And this part of their character is necessary to invite persons to hear them, and to recommend their ministry to them, as well as for the reasons that follow: lest he fall into reproach; into the reproach of men; not only of the world, but of professors of religion; ”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 11:2: 11:2 Pride is dishonest self-promotion, whereas humility is an honest assessment of one’s strengths and weaknesses.”