Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord.
J. I. PackerRead
Christian minds have been conformed to the modern spirit: the spirit, that is, that spawns great thoughts of man and leaves room for only small thoughts of God.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on how modern beliefs can diminish the significance of divine thoughts in favor of human-centric ideas.
J. I. Packer's quote critiques the tendency of contemporary Christian thought to align with modern ideals that prioritize human intellect and achievements over the greatness of God. It warns against a worldview that fosters grand ideas about humanity while neglecting the vastness and importance of divine contemplation, suggesting a shift in focus that may lead to a superficial understanding of faith and spirituality.
Themes
FaithSpiritualityModernityHumanismThought
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on faith and modern values, one could use this quote to illustrate the tension between humanism and divine belief.
More from J. I. Packer
All quotes βHe that has learned to feel his sins, and to trust Christ as a Saviour, has learned the two hardest and greatest lessons in Christianity.
J. I. PackerRead
We need to discover all over again that worship is natural to the Christian, as it was to the godly Israelites who wrote the psalms, and that the habit of celebrating the greatness and graciousness of God yields an endless flow of thankfulness, joy, and zeal.
J. I. PackerRead
The fruit of wisdom is Christlikeness, peace, humility and love. And, the root of it is faith in Christ as the manifested wisdom of God
J. I. PackerRead
Were I asked to focus the New Testament message in three words, my proposal would be ADOPTION THROUGH PROPITIATION, and I do not expect ever to meet a richer or more pregnant summary of the gospel than that.
J. I. PackerRead
Only when it is seen that what decides each individual's destiny is whether or not God decides to save him from his sins, and that this is a decision that God need not make in any individual case, can one begin to grasp the biblical view of grace.
J. I. PackerRead
Similar quotes
Where misunderstanding serves others as an advantage, one is helpless to make oneself understood.
Lionel TrillingRead
not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of . . . but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take.
Thomas JeffersonRead
Society was cut in two: those who had nothing united in common envy; those who had anything united in common terror.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
Great men are like eagles, and build their nest on some lofty solitude.
Arthur SchopenhauerRead
All I can say in my solitude is, May Heaven's rich blessing come down on every one - American, English, Turk - who will help to heal this open sore of the world.
David LivingstoneRead
A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.
Maya AngelouRead