86. CORPORATE, CHRISTLIKE LOVE FOR THE FATHER AND HIS SON (x): Pursuing Christlike holiness (11)

(continuation of Meditation 85)

The arrogance of some church members

The next issue in the Corinthian church with which the apostle Paul had to deal, was the arrogance of some church members. This problem might well have been related to the leadership controversy mentioned previously (see Meditations 78, 84, 85).

Paul addressed this matter in 1 Corinthians 4:18-20: “I know that some of you have become arrogant, thinking I will never visit you again. But I will come-- and soon-- if the Lord will let me, and then I'll find out whether these arrogant people are just big talkers or whether they really have God's power. For the Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk; it is living by God's power.”

Some verses earlier Paul addresses the entire church and indicates that these arrogant church members were boastful about their favourite leader in the church: “Dear brothers and sisters, ... If you pay attention to the Scriptures, you won't brag about one of your leaders at the expense of another.

What makes you better than anyone else? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?
You think you already have everything you need! You are already rich! Without us you have become kings! I wish you really were on your thrones already, for then we would be reigning with you!” (1 Corinthians 4:6-8)

One wonders if arrogance among church members and specially among church leaders is one of the causes of devastating problems in churches. Humility and even spiritual authority can be used as a cloak for pride.

The problem of pride is addressed in God’s Word at length. We find its source in the story of the Fall. Satan seduced Adam and Eve with the words: "... when you eat of it (the forbidden fruit) your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God...” (Genesis 3:5).

Rebellion against God’s dominion and arrogance are tied together and are powerfully displayed in the uprising of Babylon’s king with his resolve to overthrow God’s governance: “You said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God's stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’” (Isaiah 14:13-14)

In the 11^th century B.C., the prophet Samuel explained to the disobedient King Saul that self-worship lies at the heart of pride: “Rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.” (1 Samuel 15:23)

The book of Proverbs warns: “The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 16:5)

Furthermore, the book of Proverbs states that “pride only breeds quarrels...” (Proverbs 13:10)

Jesus declares that “the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored.” (Luke 14:11)

The apostle Peter reminds us of Jesus’ words, saying: “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” (1 Peter 5:5).

With this assertion, we return to one of the problems in the Corinthian church. They lacked Christlike humility towards each other and experienced in their church what Proverbs had already said: “Pride only breeds quarrels...” (Proverbs 13:10)

We read that some members of the Corinthian church did not obey God’s Word [the Bible] and bragged about their leaders instead of following Paul’s advice: “The person who wishes to boast should boast only of what the Lord has done." (1 Corinthians 1:31)

As often said before, in every local church and in every reborn child of God, God’s Spirit wants to display the character of Jesus who said of Himself: “... I am gentle and humble in heart.” (Matthew 11:29) 

Pride is the antithesis of humility, and the entire Bible is clear about the way God deals with it. It is against the character of our triune God as shown by Jesus; pride does not reflect God’s image in man and therefore it must be punished.

God had already warned us through Isaiah (ca. 700 B.C.) : “I, the LORD, will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their sin. I will crush the arrogance of the proud and the haughtiness of the mighty.” (Isaiah 13:11)

God’s Spirit wants to empower every local church to display Christ’s humility and to pursue Christlike holiness. Therefore, there should be no place for pride and arrogance. That’s why the apostle Paul warned the Corinthian Christians: “What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?” (1 Corinthians 4:21)

Reflecting on the problem of pride in the first century Corinthian church, one wonders how our churches today are faring?

-- Are pride and arrogance hindering God’s Spirit from manifesting Christ’s humility and Christlike holiness in my church?

-- Does my church suffer from partiality and favouritism with regard to church leaders?  

-- In what way is God dealing with pride and arrogance in my church?

-- Do I have a problem with pride that hinders God’s Spirit from displaying Christ’s humility in me?

-- Do I cause problems in my church by favouring one leader/elder/teacher above others?

Genesis 3:5, 1 Samuel 15:23, Proverbs 16:5, Proverbs 13:10, 1 Peter 5:5, Proverbs 13:10, Matthew 11:29, 1 Corinthians 4:21 are quotes from the New International Version. All other quotes are from the New Living Translation.