Most people are quick to admit that they want to be well thought of, to be appreciated for what they contribute to the cause, whether it be scoring a goal for their team on the ball field, providing delicious desserts for a picnic, or challenging the masses to think by public oratory, article or essay. But God has instructed us, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1Corinthians 10:31)” A problem arises when we desire the glory for ourselves—when we stand between God and His glory.
The first sin in the universe was the sin of pride, and it was committed by Satan. “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Isaiah 14:12-15)
Pride in a preacher might make him say things like, “I want people to like to hear me preach, so that they will come back for more.” I have determined that, though this might sound innocent enough, it can easily be rooted in pride. How much better to say, “When I preach God’s Word, I want people not to notice me, but to go away knowing that they have heard from God.” Truth of the matter is, when we do something for the Lord, it is not about you or me at all. We should consider the words of the Apostle Paul, “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (1Corinthians 4:7)”
Whether we are talking about a preacher, a chef, a barber, a pilot, a doctor, a housewife, or a greeter in the local department store, God wants us to know that, “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)” and “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (16:18)”