I’ve
seen it in my life and in the lives of many other people in ministry. When we
replace awe of God with awe of self, we then permit ourselves to do things in
ministry that no ministry person should do—to be controlling, authoritarian,
self-righteous, theologically unteachable, defensive, isolated, and critical.
We give way to thoughts, desires, and behaviors that are unbecoming of the
gospel. We begin to think of ourselves as essentially different from the people
we are called to serve. We allow ourselves to stand above the things that we
teach. We begin in subtle ways to view ourselves as grace graduates. We explain
away our sin and argue for our righteousness. We teach grace but are ungracious
in meetings, with staff, and with our families. We approach ministry duties as
a burden and not a joy. We allow ourselves to develop attitudes of bitterness
and resentment against those we perceive to be our detractors. We preach and
teach love, but we aren’t examples of love…It happens because we are full of
ourselves…But in ministry you are supposed to feel small, weak, and unable.
— Paul Tripp
From Bsparky. Putting it here as a reminder to myself. I cannot be like this. I cannot forget that I am still "small, weak, and unable." I will always rely on the Grace and the Gospel that I have, the alien righteousness imputed to me. The life bought with a price. Please Lord, I beg you to make me humble and loving, practicing the art of self-forgetfulness. Let me always remember the awe of your Glory.
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