Can preaching a dud sermon be the godly thing to do?

I want my preaching to be faithful, clear, passionate and provocative… But I’m also aware that I want people to think highly of me. I’m tempted to run after their praise. And because of that I’m inclined to be a perfectionist.

Mike Kendall on idolatry in the preacher’s study

I recognise this tension in me a lot. Anything I do, I want to do well. I want to serve people well in my preaching, yet this seems inextricably bound to the desire for others to think highly of me.

[via thebluefish.org.]