Against the persecution of a tyrant the godly have no remedy but prayer.
John CalvinRead
That man is truly humble who neither claims any personal merit in the sight of God, nor proudly despises brethren, or aims at being thought superior to them, but reckons it enough that he is one of the members of Christ, and desires nothing more than that the Head alone should be exalted.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True humility involves recognizing one's place in relation to others and valuing the greatness of a higher purpose.
In this quote, John Calvin articulates the essence of humility, emphasizing that a truly humble person does not seek personal elevation or disregard others. Instead, they understand their role as part of a greater whole, cherishing their connection to a higher being and prioritizing the exaltation of that higher purpose over personal recognition or superiority.
Themes
HumilityGodChristBrethrenSuperiority
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a sermon to encourage congregants to adopt a humble mindset.
More from John Calvin
All quotes →The pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both.
John CalvinRead
Man is never sufficiently touched and affected by the awareness of his lowly state until he has compared himself with God's majesty.
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Whomever the Lord has adopted and deemed worthy of His fellowship ought to prepare themselves for a hard, toilsome, and unquiet life, crammed with very many and various kinds of evil.
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For as the aged, or those whose sight is defective, when any book, however fair, is set before them, though they perceive that there is something written, are scarcely able to make out two consecutive words, but, when aided by glasses, begin to read distinctly, so Scripture, gathering together the impressions of Deity, which, till then, lay confused in our minds, dissipates the darkness, and shows us the true God clearly.
John CalvinRead
When God wants to judge a nation, He gives them wicked rulers.
John CalvinRead
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