What is one of the greatest downfall of ministers?

When I was young and held my first ministry position I was the most arrogant kid on the block. Somethings have changed but I still have to wage a daily battle against this most innate of human instincts. As I look back on the classes I had in my MDiv program I believe now that certain classes that I thought were impractical were actually saviors of my character. Before I go to far I must admit that I have not mastered the subject matter of these classes; however, I am aware of my weaknesses. The classes which hindsight has shown to be of great importance are: Interpersonal Relationships and Servant Leadership.

Why? Because I have learned that the biggest downfall of ministers is arrogance. Ministers who want to lead people and be followed must be willing to be servants or at the very least be willing to do what is not necessarily required of them. Arrogance is more than just an attitude of, thinking you are the best at X. Arrogance is also thinking (believing) that certain things are beneath your position. Which in essence is believing you are greater than you are.

I began to learn this lesson while teaching through 1 Peter. 1 Peter 5.5b states, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (cf. Prov 3.34). From this verse I began to realize that nothing could be worse than to have an infinitely powerful and holy God oppose me; and nothing could be better than to have this same wise God treat me graciously, and he only does this to the humble. I desire the grace of God because I know how sinful I am.

I never realized how distasteful arrogance was to people until I began to be in the presence of those who thought more highly of their self than any human should. One thing that is hard for me to understand is how can one claim self exaltation when they likewise claim to stand in the shadow of the cross where the Son of God exemplified the greatest act of humility. I will never understand this.

"True humility senses that humility is a gift beyond our reach. If humility is the product of reaching, then we will instinctively feel proud about our successful reach. Humility is the gift that receives all things as a gift. It is the fruit not of our achievement but of the Holy Spirit. It is the fruit of the gospel, knowing and feeling that we are desperate sinners and that Christ is a great and undeserved Savior" John Piper. Brothers We are Not Professionals. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2002), 166.

I say all of this to make the point that the two classes mentioned above were part of the purpose of God in my life. And before those who know me, are too quick to ridicule what I have written remember this: Humility is the one attribute that once claimed is thus forfeited. I have already said that I know I have not overcome this in my life. But, the one thing I have learned is, nothing is beneath me. At the end of the day I am a servant, a servant of Christ and his church.

J. E. Stewart