Pride and Ambition

Entering into temptation may be seen in the lesser degrees of it; as, for instance, when the heart begins secretly to like the matter of a temptation, and is content to feed it and increase it by any ways that it may without downright sin. In particular, a man begins to be in repute for piety, wisdom, learning or the like - he is spoken of much to that purpose; his heart is tickled to hear of it, and his pride and ambition affected with it. If this man now, with all his strength, ply the things from whence his repute, and esteem, and glory among men do spring, with a secret eye to have it increased, he is entering into temptation; which, if he take not heed, will quickly render him a slave of lust. . .

The same may be the condition with men, as was said, in preaching the gospel, in the work of the ministry. Many things in that work may yield them esteem - their abilities, their plainness, their frequency, their success; and all in this sense may be fuel unto temptations. (John Owen, Overcoming Sin and Temptation pp 188, 189)

Last week I got a glimpse of my pride that had grown unawares; and it was ugly. It frightened me how quickly and subtly, and yet powerfully it had grown - in contempt of Christ and the Gospel. I read this section from John Owen that diagnosed my condition so well, and was again grateful to have a mentor so wise and unrelenting.