A dogmatic belief in objective value is necessary to the very idea of a rule which is not tyranny or an obedience which is not slavery.
C. S. LewisRead
A Christian is not someone who never goes wrong, but one who is enabled to repent and pick himself up and begin again, because the Christ-life is inside him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A true Christian embraces their imperfections and has the strength to repent and start anew through their faith in Christ.
This quote by C. S. Lewis emphasizes that being a Christian does not mean being perfect or free from mistakes; rather, it highlights the importance of repentance and the ability to rise again after failing. The 'Christ-life' within a believer empowers them to recognize their shortcomings and provides the grace needed to begin anew, thus fostering a continual journey of growth and redemption.
Themes
ChristianityRepentanceForgivenessGrowthFaith
In practice
Example use cases
During a church sermon about resilience and faith, this quote can inspire the congregation to embrace their shortcomings.
More from C. S. Lewis
All quotes βI enjoyed my breakfast this morning, and I think that was a good thing and do not think it was condemned by God. But I do not think myself a good man for enjoying it.
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Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
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Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
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I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
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The instrument through which you see God is your whole self. And if a man's self is not kept clean and bright, his glimpse of God will be blurred
C. S. LewisRead
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