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.