I came across this earlier today and was encouraged by it.
" Unfortunately, the resolve to be courageous in the pulpit can result in our becoming headstrong and arrogant. We may succeed in being outspoken, but spoil it by becoming proud of our outspokenness. Truth to tell, the puplit is a perilous place for any person to occupy. It is 'high and lifted up,' and thus enjoys a prominence which should be restricted to Yahweh's throne ( Isa 6:1). We stand there in solitude, while the eyes of all are on us. We hold forth in monologue, while all sit still, silent and subdued. Who can endure such public exposure and remain unscathed by vanity ? Pride is without doubt the chief occupational hazard of the preacher. It has ruined many, and deprived their ministry of power."
taken from Between two worlds by John Stott page 320
