Jesus came into this world not as a philosopher or a general but as a carpenter. All work matters to God.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the value of all types of work and suggests that even ordinary labor has significance in a spiritual context.
Timothy Keller's quote reflects the idea that Jesus, who came to the world not as a figure of power or wisdom like a philosopher or general, instead embraced the humble profession of a carpenter. This underscores the belief that all occupations—no matter how ordinary or manual—hold intrinsic value and purpose in the eyes of God. It challenges the perception that only high-status roles or intellectual pursuits have worth, affirming that every contribution to society is meaningful.
In practice
This quote can be used in a sermon to encourage congregation members about the importance of their daily work.
Falling in love in a Christian way is to say,'I am excited about your future and I want to be part of getting you there. I'm signing up for the journey with you. Would you sign up for the journey to my true self with me? It's going to be hard but I want to get there.
Only in Jesus Christ do we see how the untamable, infinite God can become a baby and a loving Savior. On the cross we see how both the love and the holiness of God can be fulfilled at once.
All human problems are ultimately symptoms, and our separation from God is the cause.
While your character flaws may have created mild problems for other people, they will create major problems for your spouse and your marriage.
To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.
God's Kingdom is "present in its beginnings, but still future in its fullness. This guards us from an under-realized eschatology (expecting no change now) and an over-realized eschatology (expecting all change now). In this stage, we embrace the reality that while we're not yet what we will be, we're also no longer what we used to be.
I don't think exactly like a professional economist. I think about economics and economic ideas, but somewhat like an outsider.
The man or nation of high culture may acknowledge to great lengths the restraints imposed by conventions and honour, but beyond a certain point, primitive will or desire cannot be curbed.
. . . money . . . is really the difference between men and animals, most of the things men feel, animals feel, and vice versa, but animals do not know about money.
They deem him their worst enemy who tells them the truth.
He will essentially follow the language of the spectacle, for it is the only one he is familiar with.
Nay, do not think I flatter. For what advancement may I hope from thee, That no revenue hast but thy good spirits To feed and clothe thee? Why should the poor be flattered?
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