Over the last few decades, there has been an increased focus on defining ministry/leadership gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially the gift of prophet and apostle. These gifts are meant to be used in all walks of life, in every sphere, not just at ministerial meetings or conferences. 

We cannot fully appreciate or imagine the magnitude of such grace given to us. The Word and the Spirit together are empowering a worldwide Great Awakening and revival.

It is also not surprising that gifts of the Spirit, just like the Word, are misused and abused. We can use our strengths, gifts, and abilities for God’s Kingdom or our own kingdom. We often mix them up. And any place of authority and influence will expose our immaturity, the illusion of self-importance, and the desire for promotion. 

Ron Mehl, who was the pastor of the Beaverton Foursquare Church in Beaverton, Oregon, spoke to a group of us newly commissioned pastors in 1981. In his message, he wisely spoke one sentence that has affected me profoundly over the years: “Let God make a way for you.” 

Ron’s words echoed in my mind in the intervening years, serving as a guardrail against my pride. When I failed, especially when the lure of promotion was the strongest.  I felt the grieving of the Holy Spirit and repented.

Years ago, I was asked by the late Dr. Jack Hayford to speak at his yearly pastor’s conference at Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California.  It was an honor for me to be invited by a man I highly esteemed, who had taught me so much. When Jack introduced me to those assembled, his words about me and my gifts were so honoring that they completely took me by surprise. Come to think of it, Jack was famous for his glowing introductions for all his speakers!

When Jan and I got back to our hotel room, I told her I needed to pray and have her pray for me. I needed to get hold of my pride and any attempts to elevate myself in others’ eyes. To have a man of Jack’s stature and influence say what he said about me touched that deep need for significance and purpose. 

We are all created to have significance, and we need to know our purpose for living. I acknowledged my need for those words of affirmation, but offered them back to the Lord. That need had to be rooted and secured in Him.

It is God’s mercy to give us sight of the pride that permeates our being. Our identity is not in our gifts, assignments, callings, and professions. But the world defines us as such, and we are trained early on to define ourselves and others accordingly. We need to let go of both accolades and insults, praise and negative criticism.

Lord Jesus, we give you permission to search our hearts and expose the hidden places of pride that lead us to seek self-promotion, wealth, and fame—that open the door to the adversary to lead us into sin.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts” (Psalm 139:23).