Cast Pride Aside
"How you plot and scheme to win your
lovers. Even an experienced prostitute could learn from you!" – Jeremiah 2:33
I call it growing pains. Our ministry group has
expanded to include more events and, thus, more people involved in the various
projects and classes. The hiccups are driving me nuts.
I recognize it as Satan trying to derail our plans to
draw more people toward Jesus. I understand that. Unfortunately, not everyone
else does. The egos and claws have emerged and they’ve got nothing to do with
bringing glory to God.
Have you experienced this? Anyone active in church
probably has. I doubt there’s any place more focused on politics, power and
squabbles than a church. Pride has destroyed so many churches, so many
wonderful endeavors. It doesn’t need to be that way.
I love this passage from Jeremiah. God is telling His
people how they have betrayed Him. His people are telling God they aren’t
guilty. Of course, they were. So are we.
When we set out to organize an event at church, it’s
not about the individuals organizing it. It’s not about bringing glory and
accolades to the church. It’s about God. It’s about bringing Him glory. It’s
about shining a light that draws others toward Him. When we lose sight of that,
it becomes about us and our egos. Things quickly deteriorate from there.
I’m not into micro-managing people who are volunteering
for a specific project. I’m not into trying to control everything and everyone.
I also detest drama. We’ve built an incredible team of capable individuals. We
work together, each doing her own job, communicating and sharing ideas with an
easy comradery.
Others coming in aren’t doing so well with that. And I’m
not doing so well with the backbiting power plays. It’s just not okay. It’s out
of place in service to God. Actually, it’s out of place anywhere.
We are not a group where cliques will exist. I am not
alone in that view. Everyone is welcome. Everyone is equally important.
Everyone’s ideas are considered. Like I said earlier, we’re a team.
Maybe I’m just really sensitive on this issue. I’ve watched
churches torn apart because a few individuals needed to control everything. It
became about their pride. It was never about God. Jesus wasn’t invited to the
table. And nobody listened to the Holy Spirit.
I spend a great many hours each week in service to
God. I am not in service to the church, to any individuals or to a particular
committee. Everything I do is to bring glory to Him. Do I fail Him sometimes?
Absolutely. And I count on other team members to work with me to keep us all
focused on the only One who matters.
I don’t know your situation. I hope you are volunteering
and serving God wherever you are. And I hope you stand strong and refuse to
allow yourself to be pulled in to unnecessary political drama. When Satan tries
to tear people apart, refuse to be a part of it. Pray without ceasing and stand
firm in His strength. Pride has no place in the kingdom of God.
