The Bible emphatically declares in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” This scripture unequivocally establishes that salvation and spiritual blessings offered by God to mankind are absolutely free and not by any human effort, lest any should boast.
However, it is disheartening to observe that some Christian leaders have deviated from this fundamental truth. They have allowed the manifestations and operations of spiritual gifts to inflate their ego, leading to vaulting self-glory. This attitude is not only unscriptural but also detrimental to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
The Bible warns in 1 Corinthians 4:7, “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” This scripture clearly indicates that every spiritual gift, talent, or ability we possess is a gift from God, and we should not glory in them as if we are the originators.
The dangers of vaulting self-glory in ministry are numerous. Firstly, it shifts the focus from God to man, thereby undermining the sovereignty and glory of God. Secondly, it creates a sense of superiority and pride, leading to a fall (Proverbs 16:18). Thirdly, it hinders the flow of God’s power and anointing, as God resists the proud (James 4:6).
In contrast, humility is essential in the service of Jesus Christ. The Bible declares in 1 Peter 5:6, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” Humility allows us to acknowledge our limitations and dependence on God, thereby positioning us for divine exaltation.
As ministers of the gospel, we must recognize that our abilities, talents, and spiritual gifts are mere vessels for the manifestation of God’s power and glory. We are not the originators of these gifts, but mere stewards. Therefore, we must totally return all glory to Him who is the source of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).
In conclusion, boasting is excluded in the kingdom of God. Our salvation and spiritual blessings are free gifts from God, and we should not glory in them as if we are the originators. As ministers of the gospel, we must cultivate humility and totally return all glory to Jesus Christ, who is the source of every good and perfect gift.
May we be mindful of the warning in 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”
About the Author
Dr. Elvis Enyioko, is the Executive Director of The Good Lord Thanksgiving Ministry International (TGLTMI).
His also the Provost and Vice President, International Studies and Leadership Development, at Juliana King University (JKU), a Houston, Texas, USA, based Christian University.
He can be reached on: +2348077753824 (Call & WhatsApp)
