{"id":45220,"date":"2020-11-12T14:22:08","date_gmt":"2020-11-12T11:22:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=45220"},"modified":"2025-05-10T05:48:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-10T02:48:29","slug":"do-not-be-proud-or-overambitious","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2020\/11\/12\/do-not-be-proud-or-overambitious\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Not Be Proud or Overambitious"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Understanding Our Place in the Body of Christ<\/em><\/p>\n

Blessings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Welcome as we explore what the Bible teaches about humility and spiritual responsibility in the Church.<\/p>\n

Romans 12:3 (NIV)<\/strong> sets the foundation:<\/p>\n

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“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reminds believers that all spiritual gifts and roles in the Church are given by grace<\/strong>\u2014not earned or achieved. Grace (Greek: charis<\/em>) here refers to God\u2019s unmerited favor, and it applies both to salvation and to the gifts we are entrusted with. We are not to overestimate ourselves or assume positions or abilities God has not assigned to us. Instead, we are to evaluate ourselves with “sober judgment”<\/strong>\u2014a humble, balanced self-assessment guided by faith and truth.<\/p>\n

So what kind of pride is Paul warning against?<\/p>\n

He explains further in the next verses:<\/p>\n

Romans 12:4\u20138 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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“4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,
5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This metaphor of the Church as a body (also used in 1 Corinthians 12) shows that diversity of function is essential to unity and health.<\/strong> Not everyone has the same calling. Trying to take on every role or believing we must operate in all spiritual gifts is not only unrealistic\u2014it shows spiritual immaturity and a lack of understanding of God\u2019s design.<\/p>\n

For example, one might be called to evangelize, but may also desire to be a prophet, teacher, apostle, and pastor all at once. This kind of overreaching stems from spiritual pride<\/strong>, which Paul directly opposes. God never intended for one person to carry every ministry role. That is why He distributes gifts as He wills<\/strong> (1 Corinthians 12:11).<\/p>\n

When we try to elevate ourselves beyond our calling, pride takes root, and humility is lost. Pride is not just a character flaw\u2014it is spiritually dangerous.<\/p>\n

1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)<\/strong> says:<\/p>\n

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“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The Greek word for “oppose” here (antitass\u014d<\/em>) means to actively resist. God Himself stands in opposition to those who are proud. On the other hand, He gives grace\u2014empowerment and favor\u2014to those who walk in humility.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, spiritual gifts are not a platform for status, competition, or comparison.<\/strong> The moment we begin to use them to showcase ourselves rather than to serve others, we have missed the heart of God\u2019s purpose.<\/p>\n

Ephesians 4:11\u201312 (NIV)<\/strong> outlines God\u2019s intent for giving ministry roles:<\/p>\n

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“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The fivefold ministry exists not for self-promotion, but for equipping, edifying, and strengthening the Church.<\/strong> Spiritual gifts should never be about who is more anointed or respected, but about fulfilling God\u2019s mission in unity.<\/p>\n

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A Final Call to Surrender<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t yet surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, now is the time. The door of grace is open, but it will not remain so forever. Jesus will return\u2014suddenly and without warning\u2014to take His Church.<\/p>\n

When the final trumpet sounds (1 Thessalonians 4:16\u201317), only those who are in Christ will be caught up with Him. Those left behind will face God\u2019s judgment.<\/p>\n

Hebrews 9:27 (NIV)<\/strong> reminds us:\u00a0<\/p>\n

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“People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This life is where we make the decision between eternal life and eternal separation from God.<\/strong> After death, the choice is final.<\/p>\n

Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)<\/strong> says:<\/p>\n

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“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Hell is real, and so is heaven. Salvation is available now\u2014through faith in Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6). Don\u2019t delay. Turn to Him today.<\/p>\n

Maranatha\u2014Come, Lord Jesus<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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