Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 ESV
This is not an easy word to share, as there are many still trying to process recent headlines of exposure among well-known Christian leaders. But without recognizing the spirit at work in the hidden recesses of the heart, these cycles of compromise will only continue. It is time for this strongman to be acknowledged and dealt with…
Ministry bubbles are bursting and a toxic smell is emerging that is shocking many on the outside. Ministries once thought to be healthy and thriving are now carrying a stench. Appearances have been deceiving. Ministry leaders who were once thought to be leading voices in the Body of Christ are being exposed for spiritual malpractice and clergy abuse. Past sins and indiscretions are coming out and inside ministry practices are revealing more of a business enterprise than a spiritual family. We are seeing a growing number of spiritual emperors in the Church with no clothes. It is disheartening and also grievous.
For those wondering how we got here, life on the inside of one of these toxic bubbles is an illusion. Those on the inside don’t always recognize the spiritual poison that has been building because the burn is slow and the leaders are blind to their own ambitions. Control is camouflaged as special authority that has been earned and granted to only a few spiritually elite. Following the rules is considered the proof of one’s loyalty and self-sacrifice is deemed the evidence of one’s spirituality. And yet, it is all a mirage. It is all a counterfeit spirituality that carries no life and bears no lasting fruit because it is based on deception and self-serving lies. And it’s usually the same seed that takes root at the start. It is Pride that always goes before destruction.
The unhealthy leaders who feed these toxic spiritual ecosystems have usually become puffed up by their own revelations and convinced of their own greatness. And the deception always starts small. They actually think they’re being visionary and ground-breaking. But left untended, the seeds of self-importance grow into strongholds of spiritual pride and religious arrogance. Eventually, they become untouchable and immune to any serious godly counsel or advice. And though not all large ministries or ministers succumb to this, the present realities are showing a troubling trend.
The apostle Paul spoke of the “surpassing greatness of revelation” that had been given him in his early years of ministry (2 Corinthians 12:7). Knowing how pride could quickly become his downfall, he admits that the Lord needed to humble him. Thankfully, Paul yielded to the Lord’s discipline. But many leaders do not.
It is this seed of perceived spiritual superiority that seems to be a common trait in many fallen leaders. They often start out with an authentic supernatural encounter or life-changing revelation which attracts a crowd. Then they become spiritual gurus to admiring followers who are blinded by their popularity and charisma. Before long, the vision becomes a business and the revelations become law for those who join. That which was birthed by the Spirit is now maintained by the flesh, and it starts to rot from the inside out.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
Unfortunately, the damage caused by this toxicity goes deep. Not only are the families of these compromised leaders forever changed; the followers are often marked for life. And the most painful part is that it takes place among “family.” The bonding that takes place in these ministry bubbles happens through years of shared experiences. But instead of growing and maturing through the fellowship of the Spirit, the ties are forged through man-centered values and self-serving obligations that only benefit the masters of the house.
It is these uncomfortable realities that we are now faced with as the Body of Christ. But dealing with the sins of the past is one thing. Dealing with the heart is another. Until the heart is truly changed and this pride is rooted out, accountability will only be skin deep. And it is this change of heart that we must pursue.
But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
The antidote for these toxic mindsets is heart-born and heartfelt humility. It is only the humble in heart that willingly confess their sin. It is only when we humble ourselves before the throne of grace that true freedom can come. Whether it be victims courageously sharing their stories, whistle-blowers bravely exposing the lies, or leaders finally confessing their faults, humility can yet be demonstrated through our collective voices. We must not allow satan any more footholds in either our personal lives or in our collective witness to the world.
We may not always know about immoral behavior behind closed doors or the secret thoughts of another’s heart. But we can pray for a discerning heart to detect any spirit of pride that is seeking a foothold and take it captive from the start. We can pray that a proper fear of the Lord would guard our hearts and minds from selfish ambition and any self-serving agendas. And we can pray that those who are being exposed and disciplined by the Lord would willingly yield to the process and embrace the cross. But even if they don’t, their houses of sand will surely fall, and the humble will be exalted.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
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