Pride

Pride is a constant temptation, especially where God has graciously blessed a man's ministry. Pride can lead him to think, Look what I've accomplished. It is sinful self-gratification. Besides all those things, there's always a multitude of general temptations that beset a spiritual leader. That's why we have to "put on the whole armor of God" (Eph. 6:11). Satan is unrelenting in his attempts to cause Christians to sin, and the prominence and influence of a spiritual leader makes him a prime target for the enemy's attacks. In light of all those temptations, what elder could remain sinless? We all fail. Somewhere in the spiritual battle we're going to feel like giving up, or we'll become indifferent or prideful. Perhaps we'll say unkind words to someone. There are so many areas in which a leader can fall, and we are far from perfect. The qualifications for spiritual leaders are very high, but they're not so high that everyone is disqualified. By His grace God can make us what He wants us to be. Our task is to faithfully pursue His standards.

John MacArthur