It’s easy to fall into the trap of pride when ministry seems to flourish. You see conversions, your church grows, the congregation praises your preaching, and you hear affirmations like, “That sermon changed my life.” These are sweet moments, but they’re also dangerous. Success can whisper lies: “Look at what you’ve done”. “You’ve cracked the code”. Suddenly, you start believing the fruit is your doing. This is the most obvious form of pride, and it’s the one we’re often on guard against. But we must be vigilant. As Charles Spurgeon warned, “Pride grows apace like other ill weeds. It will live on any soil. In the natural heart it flourishes, springing up without sowing, and growing without watering”.¹ Any blessing in your ministry—any changed heart, any step of growth—is the fruit of God’s mercy, kindness, and grace. You have no power to transform a single soul. That’s the work of the Holy Spirit. If God isn’t moving, nothing real is happening.

The Second London Confession reminds us of this in its doctrine of God’s Decree (Chapter 3). Our role is to faithfully proclaim His Word, not to manufacture results. When success comes, give God the glory. Remind yourself daily: I am nothing apart from Him. A confessional ministry keeps you grounded, tethering you to the truth that God alone is the source of all spiritual fruit.