Pride Hinders the Work of Ministry

by David Rollert

While sin in general hinders the work of ministry, one specific sin will absolutely destroy a person’s effectiveness: the sin of pride. Pride is probably one of the hardest sins to overcome, because the prideful person doesn’t think they have anything to overcome. As the old saying goes, “Admitting you have a problem is the first step in recovery.” The Bible has a lot to say about how pride will hinder the work of ministry.

Proverbs 21:24 states, “‘Proud,’ ‘Haughty,’ ‘Scoffer,’ are his names, who acts with insolent pride.” The person who is acting with insolent pride is a person who is not teachable. That person will not accept instructions, because he thinks he already knows everything. When someone points out a mistake that he has made or a falsehood he has taught, he will refuse to even consider the idea that he could have made a mistake. In order to press on to maturity we each need to be able to admit our faults and accept godly instruction (c.f. Galatians 6:1-5).

Proverbs 29:23 says, “A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” The prideful man wants position, power, and prestige without putting in the work to earn them. The prideful person thinks that they are justified in tearing down those who stand in their way if they don’t get the power or position they desire. Thus, they end up harming others to achieve their goals. Ultimately, the prideful person will end up isolated and disgruntled because everyone else can see them for what they really are. This passage points out that the truly humble person is the one who will receive honor. This is because their conduct speaks louder than their words.

Proverbs 16:18 tells us, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Sadly, many prideful people end up willfully engaging in sin because they incorrectly assume they are strong enough to stand against the temptation. But, by its nature, pride makes a person lie to themselves. They become convinced they are more capable than they are. Prideful people often make rules “for thee, but not for me.” They teach others to avoid tempting situations but believe that they themselves are strong enough to be in those situations without falling into sin. This insidious form of pride may appear in someone who displays humility and honesty in most other areas of their life – just not in their prideful blind spot. And that prideful blind spot is generally where they end up falling into sin. This is why Paul tells Timothy, “Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

Each of us must take a long hard look at ourselves and strive to eliminate pride from our mindset. As scripture says; “When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2).