There are certain phrases that those of us who are part of the church in general and ministry in particular should never use as self-descriptors.

In other words, we should never say them about ourselves . . . but we should be grateful if others say them about us.

Here are a few:

• Claim to be a "man of God" or "woman of God."
• Lift up our own "integrity." (It's why I never could wear those Promise Keepers shirts in the 90s -- the tag line said "Men Of Integrity.")
• Refer to our own level of "spiritual maturity."
• Speak of ourselves as having "class" -- including the two most ubiquitous phrases in the in the "class" family: classy and a class act.
• Emphasize the depth of our "sincerity" or "honesty."
• And of course, we shouldn't boast of our humility.

I suspect that if we claim to have any of the above qualities, it's a good indication we don't.

Frances Havergal said this: "Faithfulness to principle is only proved by faithfulness in detail."

Think about that.

How applicable to the life of a pastor.

I may believe in the principle of servanthood, but am I faithful to the detail of First Serve?

I may believe in the principle of evangelism, but am I faithful to the detail of actually sharing my faith and asking for a response?

I may believe in the principle of prayer, but am I faithful to the detail of gathering people around me to pray?

I may believe in the principle of bible study, but am I faithful to the detail of reading the bible for reasons other than sermon preparation?

I may believe in the principle of innovation, but am I faithful to the detail -- and desperately hard work -- of innovating?

I may believe in the principle of generosity, but am I faithful to the detail of tithing plus?

I may believe in the principle of leadership, but am I faithful to the detail of having all the hard conversations involved in truly leading?

Faithfulness to principle is only proved in faithfulness in detail.