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
Everyone has noticed how hard it is to turn our thoughts to God when everything is going well with us... While what we call 'our own life' remains agreeable, we will not surrender it to Him. What, then, can God do in our interests but make 'our own life' less agreeable to us, and take away the plausible sources of false happiness?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that people often struggle to seek God when life is comfortable, and sometimes hardships are necessary to redirect our focus to spiritual truths.
C. S. Lewis reflects on the tendency of human beings to prioritize their personal comfort and happiness above spiritual pursuits. He argues that it is often in times of ease and success that we neglect our connection to God, leading to a false sense of security. When life is agreeable, we may resist surrendering our lives to divine guidance. Thus, he proposes that God may allow discomfort or challenges in our lives to prompt us to turn our thoughts toward Him, emphasizing the necessity of recognizing our dependence on divine support rather than solely on worldly happiness.
Themes
FaithGodHappinessLifeSuffering
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a sermon to illustrate the importance of relying on God during both good and bad times.
More from C. S. Lewis
All quotes →I 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.
C. S. LewisRead
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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