John Owen: Spritual Pride and Self-Exaltation - Two Temptations to Watch Out For

"Two temptations are ready to trip up Christians. Those are spiritual pride and self-exaltation. So Paul would not admit 'a novice' - one inexperienced in the ways of grace and decits of sin - into the office of ministry, lest he should be 'lifted up with pride' and 'fall into the condemnation of the devil' (1 Tim. 3:6). Paul did not consider himself to be free from this danger (2 Cor. 12: 1-7). This temptation to spiritual pride waits to trip up those who have many spiritual gifts and who are having great success in their ministry and are riding on the wave of popularity. The best of men find it hard to fight against pride, especially when they are successful and are being applauded by men. The only way to keep a balanced walk is to remember our vileness in the sight of God. Every minister needs to remember his own vileness and the duty of mortification, or else he will not glorify the Gospel."