Paul Washer, a renowned evangelist and missions advocate, has long been a compelling voice in Christian circles, known for his straightforward, fiery preaching style. One of the most prominent themes in Washer's ministry is addressing the spirit of pride that often permeates the church. Here, we delve into Paul Washer's perspective on pride and its impact on the church and the individual believer.
Washer's stance on pride isn't merely an intellectual position; it's a deeply passionate, personal conviction. Growing up in a strict, religious atmosphere, Washer himself struggled with pride, which he vividly describes as a "terrible, ugly thing" that can "devour" a person's soul. This personal understanding forms the backbone of his powerful sermons and teachings on pride.
The Root of the Problem: Pride in the Church
Washer believes that pride is not just an individual sin but a root problem that has infected the collective conscience of the modern church. He often cites statistics showing that the church is no different from the world in terms of divorce rates, materialism, and moral decay. This, Washer argues, is a clear indication of a deeperissue: pride.
Washer challenges the idea that numerical growth, mega-churches, and successful church programs are signs of spiritual health. Instead, he posits that they could be symptoms of a deeper malady, fueled by a desire for human recognition and approval - a manifestation of pride.
Pride and the Gospel Message
Washer argues that pride corrupts the Gospel message. When the focus shifts from the glory of God to human comfort, preference, and accolades, the Gospel is diminished. This, he believes, is the reason for the rise of "Cheree Christianity" - a watered-down, feel-good version of the faith that caters to people's desires rather than challenging them to holiness.
In his preaching, Washer often quotes Martin Luther, who said, "I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess." Washer uses this to illustrate how pride causes us to rely on our own strength and understanding, leading to spiritual loss, while humility leads us to trust in God, resulting in spiritual gains.
Pride and Missionary Work
In his ministry as a missions advocate, Washer has witnessed firsthand the destructive power of pride on the mission field. He has seen missionaries who go into the field with a self-righteous spirit, feeling superior to the unreached people they're called to serve. This, he insists, is not only ineffective but also ungodly.
Washer emphasizes that missionaries must be afflicted with a godly sorrow over their sins and an equally deep compassion for the lost. This, he believes, is the only biblical foundation for effective missionary work. He often cites examples from church history where a humble spirit, coupled with fervent prayer and obedience to God's Word, has led to mighty revival movements.
Pride and Personal Spiritual Growth
Washer is not only concerned about pride as a corporate sin but also as a barrier to personal spiritual growth. He believes that pride can prevent believers from truly knowing God and growing in holiness.
In numerous sermons, Washer has shared his own struggles with pride, illustrating how the sin can manifest in seemingly innocuous ways - such as self-righteousness, impatience, or a critical spirit. He argues that these subtle manifestations of pride can be just as spiritually damaging as more obvious sins like anger or lust.
Overcoming Pride through Humility
Washer's solution to the problem of pride is not self-flagellation or a counsellor's couch, but a deep, biblical understanding of humility. He emphasizes the need for believers to understand their complete dependence on God, accepting that they are not inherently better than others, but recipients of God's grace.
Washer often quotes 1 Peter 5:5-6, which implores believers to "clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" Understanding this truth, Washer argues, is the key to overcoming pride and fostering spiritual growth.
Pride and Evangelism
Finally, Washer believes that pride can significantly hamper evangelism efforts. He argues that a proud heart is a closed heart, incapable of loving and sharing the Gospel with others. The humble, however, are open to God's love, and eager to share it with others.
Washer often concludes his sermons on pride with an impassioned plea for listeners to examine their own hearts, to repent of pride, and to cultivate humility. He encourages believers to focus on the glory of God rather than their own, to strive for holiness, and to love others as Christ loved them.
In the end, Washer's message is not one of condemnation, but of hope. He believes that a fresh wave of revival is possible in the church - not through worldly success, but through humble surrender to God. And that starts with dealing with the insidious sin of pride in our own hearts.