Crucifying Pride, Conceit, and Self-Adulation (The Cost of Discipleship in the Fire of Revival and Suffering)

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From the desk of Ron Pearce

June 13, 2025

Dear Friends,

In every major move of God that Empower is supporting around the world, a consistent and unmistakable characteristic stands out—humility. The Holy Spirit is doing a deep and profound work within both pastors and believers, compelling them to walk in a lowly, unpretentious manner. Concurrently, they are experiencing daily miracles in their ministries and witnessing the mass turning of souls to Jesus.

This humility is especially striking when one considers the increasing notoriety and attention these believers receive following persecution for bearing the Name of Christ. Such recognition could easily open the door to pride, yet these leaders are vigilantly guarding their hearts. Recognizing the danger, national church leaders are intentionally emphasizing in their discipleship sessions, the lesson that all glory must be directed to God alone. They are resolute in resisting the temptation to step into God’s spotlight — even for a moment.

Because of this prevailing spirit of humility, these servants of God are often reluctant to speak about the powerful ​“God-stories” that I regularly share with you. Almost without exception, a pastor will begin an interview by saying something like, ​“This is not my story — this is God’s work, and He is building His Church.” Only after that disclaimer will they recount, with growing excitement, the miraculous events they have witnessed.

Their hesitancy is not based on false modesty, but rather a reverent awe for the workings of God. They understand that any trace of pride or vanity could quench the spiritual anointing they so dearly treasure. Upon occasion, they will allude to the parallels they are experiencing to that of the Early Church described in the Book of Acts. Many of these leaders are deeply familiar with the sobering account of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1 – 11), who were judged not merely for lying, but for tainting the holiness of God’s work with deceit. They’ve also read Daniel 4 and the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, who, after arrogantly boasting of his own power and majesty, was humbled by God. His sovereignty was taken from him, and he was made to live like a beast, eating grass with cattle—until he lifted his eyes to heaven in repentance and gave glory to the Most High.

These biblical accounts serve not just as historical warnings, but as living truths: Pride steals glory from God and invites judgment. As national church leaders have often reminded me, they serve with this conviction:

“We must walk through life and ministry with the goal of purity and humility before the Lord, because we are in a life and death struggle for souls. We humbly serve a mighty, holy God who has abundant compassion but also firm rules of conduct for believers. We cannot be ambivalent to our calling to walk in humility, or else we will forfeit the anointing of God that we so desperately desire.”

Meanwhile, in the Western church, there is a widespread cry for revival, spiritual awakening, and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. But whenever I am asked how we can experience what our brothers and sisters are living out daily in the global church, I return to this singular truth summed up in six words:

“If My people would humble themselves…” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

This truly is the beginning and end of revival. It is the secret of Kingdom success. And it surely is the primary explanation for the following report of the incredible growth of the Body of Christ in these countries.

Empower’s unwavering goal is to equip and support these remarkable national believers who are wholeheartedly committed to ​“crucifying pride, conceit, and self-adulation” on a daily basis. With steadfast dedication, they press forward in building the Kingdom of God — sharing the Gospel with everyone they encounter and planting vibrant, new churches along the way. They are walking in a powerful anointing from the Holy Spirit and are experiencing fruitful ministry among those who previously had abandoned finding a personal relationship with God Himself.

Most often, their needs are basic: food, clothing, shelter, and modest transportation for themselves and their families. Above all, they long for Bibles and discipleship materials — the Word of God — to continue the spread of the Gospel and the deepening of new believers’ faith. As a result, these national workers yield an extraordinary return on Empower’s investment — far beyond what could be imagined.

Thank you for placing your trust in Empower and our faithful national partners. This mighty expansion of the global Church would not be possible without your financial partnership. Together, we are fueling a movement that is transforming lives for eternity.