Ego in the Church Part 2: The Other Side of Ego

In 1 Peter 5:5 & 6 (NIV) scripture says, "Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time".

Last week I wrote on the issue of ego in the church as it came to the forefront of my thoughts due to some things that I have seen in the church throughout the years and more recently in a circumstance that I had to deal with. I made no bones about my feelings of it and I wrote on what I think leaders and followers need to do to avoid becoming egotistical in their positions and how to deal with it appropriately when others do. This week was a different story, however, as I saw the other side of ego: humility.

First of all, I want to make it clear that I love the church and believe that Christ has set her up as His bride. He has placed those in leadership into their positions. Despite the fact that the individuals in these positions carry within them the possibility of making mistakes or misusing their authority they are in authority none-the-less. If Christ has put in them the ability to lead then neither I nor anyone else should ever stand in or operate in an attitude or spirit of rebellion. Even King David, knowing his role as the future King of Israel, refused to rebel against King Saul despite the knowledge that God had rejected Saul and was moving David toward the throne in Israel. David worked diligently to honor God by honoring King Saul even though the King was, in effect, operating with a massive ego that ultimately led to his downfall and disapproval. King David stayed humble and patient as he waited for God to remove Saul from his position. With that said I will never allow my distain for a bad character trait to keep me from honoring those God has placed above me in authority even if I dislike their attitude or persona. I will try and keep the story of King David and Saul in close proximity to my heart so that through the story's example I remain pure in my thoughts, attitudes and actions.

Now, onto this week. There is also plenty of humility flying around in today’s church with instances of ego on display from time to time. In fact, there was one particular person that seemed to model this in front of me this week. This individual is a pastor and leader in my church and we have been aquainted with one another for some time. However, we have never become close friends due to the fact that we do not work close to each other and thus our paths have simply not crossed with any regularity throughout our time at New Life Church. However, we came into contact on more that one occasion this past week and as a result were able to speak personably and build on our aquaitance. I was struck by his kindness and openness and even more by his humble approach to people. This is an individual, who if anyone ever has had reason to gloat should be able to do so as he has been very successful in life. However, despite his success this individual’s persona has remained very humble, friendly and open throughout his life.

This is what I love to see in the church and ultimately it’s what I do see most readily throughout the church. Though there are times that egos are in control the church is actually full of leaders like this person who are humble and loving and I love it. It is what makes the church so inviting and enjoyable. It is what I love about working in the church. I couldn't imagine working in an atmosphere any different.

I can remember when I was first hired at New Life almost 12 years ago. I wanted so bad to work in the ministry. I wanted to be in a place where the people were kind and I could learn more about God on a daily basis. During my first days of employment at New Life I got just that. I loved being a part of what God was doing at the church and through the many that served there. Though I found out quickly that the church is still full of human beings that make mistakes or do things that can rub you the wrong way I still saw exactly what I wanted to see: good people, a peaceful atmosphere and a very present God.

The world can look at humility as weakness and thus look upon the church in like manner. However, in my experience in the church true power comes when humility is in play. James 4:10 (NIV) says, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up". Who else in all the universe would you want to be lifted up by? God is the most powerful force in the universe. Scripture say that God measured the waters in his hand and marked off the heavens with the breadth of his hand (Isaiah 40:12). He is massive in power and great in wisdom. To many in our world, whether secular or spiritual, see true wisdom as one of the greatest strengths anyone could have. To gain true wisdom one must be humble. Proverbs 11:2 (NIV) says, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace but with humility comes wisdom." This scripture not only provides direction to wisdom but it also expresses again why ego can be so destructive.

I love the church and I love the Lord Jesus. I desire to lead for Him and in His church and thus I must learn to be humble. I am a human and therefore I am subject to the things all humans are subject to. If I do not maintain a healthy attitude toward true biblical leadership my ego will get the best of me and I will quickly become a hypocrite. No one is perfect and no one should ever expect another to be perfect. However, we should all work to be humble and to love people the way my pastor friend showed humility and love toward me this week.

May the spirit of humility be upon you this week!