The pastor must be enthralled by, in awe of - can I say it: in love with - his Redeemer so that everything he thinks, desires, chooses, decides, says, and does is propelled by love for Christ and the security of rest in the love of Christ. He must be regularly exposed, humbled, assured, and given rest by the grace of his Redeemer. His heart needs to be tenderized day after day by his communion with Christ so that he becomes a tender, loving, patient, forgiving, encouraging, and giving servant leader. His meditation on Christ - His presence, His promises, and His provisions - must not be overwhelmed by his meditation on how to make his ministry work.
Paul David Tripp