Moving in the Apostolic

138 Moving in the Apostolic

This verse reveals a major weapon the enemy will use to stop strong apostolic ministry: pride. Apostles are susceptible to the spirit of pride. Any ministry that accomplishes so much is in danger of becoming "lifted up." This was the downfall of Uzziah. His name became great as he became strong, but pride was his weakness and his downfall. Apostles must walk in humility and avoid falling into the snare of pride. Uzziah became a leper and was cut off from the house of the Lord. Apostles must guard against pride and presumption. Pride goes before destruction (see Prov. 16:18). The New English Bible says, "[Uzziah's] fame spread far and wide, for he was so wonderfully gifted that he became very powerful." It is difficult to be wonderfully gifted and powerful, yet not yield to pride. But the trap of pride can be escaped if apostles recognize and remember that their gift is by the grace of God. Apostles must give God all the glory and humble themselves under His mighty hand in order to be preserved—as must we all. For God has promised that when we humble ourselves "under the mighty hand of God," He will exalt us "in due time" (1 Pet. 5:6). I believe this is God's time to exalt His Church; that He is raising up His apostles to accomplish just that. May we humble ourselves and walk in a renewed understanding and appropriation of the apostolic dimension, as He has called us to do.