Is there a connection between piety (someone’s obedience to God) and the scope to which God will use that person in His Kingdom?

Acts 3:12 is a powerful starting point. Here’s a biblical and historical look at whether a leader’s piety (their holiness, obedience, sacrifice) is directly tied to how “successful” a church becomes.

Biblical Perspective

1. Acts 3:12 – Not Our Power or Piety

Peter clearly says, “Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” This verse affirms that miracles and growth aren’t the result of personal holiness alone—it’s the work of Jesus. God often chooses to act through human vessels, but the credit always goes to Him.

2. Moses – Deeply Flawed but Used Mightily

Moses had anger issues, doubted God, and even disobeyed (striking the rock), but he still led millions and remains one of the greatest leaders in Scripture. God honored his calling, not because of his perfection, but His purposes.

3. Samson – A Judge of Israel with Moral Failures

Samson lived a life full of moral compromises, but the Spirit of the Lord still empowered him for specific purposes. His life proves that God can work through deeply flawed people.

4. David – A Man After God’s Own Heart, Yet Deeply Imperfect

David was a passionate worshiper and leader, but also an adulterer and murderer. His kingdom expanded under God’s blessing not because of moral perfection, but because of God’s covenant and David’s repentant heart.

5. Paul – Bold, Devoted, Yet Acknowledged Weakness

Paul was extremely obedient, yet he constantly pointed to God’s grace and power working through his weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). He never equated church growth or fruitfulness to personal righteousness alone.

Church History Examples

1. Martin Luther – Bold but Rough-Edged

Luther’s theological insights and leadership sparked the Reformation, yet he was often abrasive, drank beer, and made serious theological and personal missteps. God used him in spite of his flaws.

2. John Wesley – Holy, Disciplined, and Fruitful

Wesley lived an extremely disciplined life—daily prayer, fasting, rigorous study—and saw incredible revival across England and America. In this case, his piety seemed to align with fruitfulness. Note: Wesley had a notoriously horrible marriage.

3. Charles Spurgeon – Smoked Cigars and Preached to Thousands

Spurgeon was passionate about Scripture and deeply devoted to Christ, but he also enjoyed cigars and took theological flak for it. His ministry was wildly fruitful, not because of a sinless life, but because of a deep reliance on the Spirit.

4. Billy Graham – High Integrity and Global Reach

Graham lived with strict personal guardrails (e.g., the Modesto Manifesto), and his ministry bore tremendous fruit. His integrity built trust that fueled global impact—but even he would say the fruit was from God, not from his discipline alone.

Putting It Together

Piety matters—but it’s not the cause of church growth. Obedience, holiness, and sacrifice position leaders to hear from God, avoid disqualifying sins, and reflect Christ well. However, God has consistently used both the deeply disciplined and the deeply flawed.

Key takeaway:

• Piety positions a leader for long-term integrity.

• Power and fruit come from God alone.

• Success in ministry isn’t proof of obedience; neither is struggle proof of sin.

As Peter said—it’s not by our piety, but by His name.