I once tried (unsuccessfully) to help a church move from their manmade democratic form of running the church to the biblical pattern of elder governance. During the teaching process, one lady claimed that she should have just as much say as the elders in major decisions in the church. She insisted, “I have just as much of the Holy Spirit in me as the elders do!”

Her pride kept her from acknowledging that the Holy Spirit gifts each Christian in different ways, and he does not gift all of us to lead.

Just as pride is the downfall of many individuals, this particular sin keeps many churches from reaching their fullest potential. If you want to see great victories for the Lord, you can’t allow yourself to be blinded by pride.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”—James 4:10.