The carnal person fears man, not God. The strong Christian fears God, not man. The weak Christian fears man too much, and God too little.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the differing fears and priorities of individuals regarding their relationship with God and humans.
John Flavel's quote emphasizes the spiritual journey of a person in relation to faith and fear. It categorizes individuals based on their focus: the carnal person is preoccupied with the opinions and actions of others, fearing man over God; the strong Christian recognizes God's supremacy and fears Him above all else; while the weak Christian struggles with misplaced priorities, being overly concerned about human judgment and neglecting the awe and fear due to God. This encourages self-reflection on what governs one's actions and beliefs.
In practice
In a sermon discussing the importance of prioritizing God in our lives.
All the tears of a penitent sinner, should he shed as many as there have fallen drops of rain, since the creation, to this day, cannot wash away one sin. The everLasting burnings in hell, cannot purify the flaming conscience, from the least sin.
All the dark, intricate, puzzling providences at which we were sometimes so offended...we shall [one day] see to be to us, as the difficult passage through the wilderness was to Israel, "the right way to the city of habitation".
Providence is like a curious piece of tapestry made of a thousand shreds, which, single, appear useless, but put together, they represent a beautiful history to the eye.
Whatsoever we have over-loved, idolized, and leaned upon, God has from time to time broken it, and made us to see the vanity of it; so that we find the readiest course to be rid of our comforts is to set our hearts inordinately upon them.
It is the duty of the saints, especially in times of straights, to reflect upon the performances of Providence for them in all the states and through all the stages of their lives.
Providence so orders the case, that faith and prayer come between our wants and supplies, and the goodness of God may be the more magnified in our eyes thereby.
The Bible is not only laws, it's also stories. It begins, 'In the beginning God created Heaven.' If I had written these words, I wouldn't have written anything else; it's just enough.
A man loves the meat in his youth that he cannot endure in his age.
Boredom is just the reverse side of fascination: both depend on being outside rather than inside a situation, and one leads to the other.
We would like otherworldly visitations to come as distinct voices with clear instructions, but they may only give small signs in dreams, or as sudden hunches and insights that cannot be denied. They feel more as if they emerge from inside and steer you from within like an inner guardian angel. . . . And, most amazing, it has never forgotten you, although you may have spent most of your life ignoring it.
I know that what you call 'God' really exists, but not in the form you think; God is primal cosmic energy, the love in your body, your integrity, and your perception of the nature in you and outside of you.
I remember her telling me once that rabbits were the gnomes in attendance to the Fairy Queen and that the stars were God's daisy chain. Perfect rot, of course.
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