Growing Older and the Dangers of Spiritual Pride

As a person grows in wisdom and maturity in the Bible, they should indeed experience an increase in conviction and authority, but this must be tempered by humility and a deep awareness of their own sinfulness and dependence on God. In 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, the Apostle Paul reminds us that our authority and effectiveness in ministry come not from our own abilities, but from God's gracious work in and through us. This truth should keep us humble and reliant on God's power, rather than our own.

A genuine growth in Christ-likeness will always be accompanied by a deeper sense of humility and a greater awareness of one's own limitations and sinfulness, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5, where the prophet Isaiah is undone by his encounter with God's holiness. This is because the more we know God and His Word, the more we should be aware of our own shortcomings and the more we should be driven to worship and glorify Him, rather than ourselves.

This truth addresses the heart of the matter, highlighting the importance of maintaining a humble and dependent spirit, even as we grow in conviction and authority. If a person's growth in wisdom and maturity leads to pride and self-worship, it is a sign that they have lost sight of the gospel and the glory of God, and are instead focusing on their own accomplishments and abilities. In such cases, a return to the basics of the gospel and a renewed emphasis on humility and dependence on God is necessary to restore a healthy and biblical perspective.