We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won't need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don't fire cannons to call attention to their shining- they just shine.
Dwight L. MoodyRead
The object of the Bible is not to tell how good men are, but how bad men can become good.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that the Bible's focus is on the transformative power of goodness rather than the inherent goodness of people.
Dwight L. Moody's quote highlights a fundamental aspect of religious teaching and moral philosophy: the emphasis on redemption and transformation of individuals who are seen as lost or morally flawed. The Bible does not merely serve as a testament to the virtue of 'good' individuals; instead, it illustrates the journey of 'bad' men and women becoming better through faith, guidance, and personal change, promoting the idea that everyone has the potential for goodness. This speaks to the universal human capacity for growth and the possibility of salvation, suggesting that one's past does not define one’s future.
Themes
BibleRedemptionTransformationGoodnessMorality
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon about redemption, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of transformation.
More from Dwight L. Moody
All quotes →There is the joy of one's own salvation. I thought, when I first tasted that, it was the most delicious joy I had ever known, and that I could never get beyond it. But I found, afterward, there was something more joyful that, namely, the joy of the salvation of others.
Dwight L. MoodyRead
'Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God' (Rom. 10:17). That is whence faith comes. It is not for me to sit down and wait for faith to come stealing over me with a strong sensation, but is for me to take God at His Word.
Dwight L. MoodyRead
There is no greater honour than to be the instrument in God's hands of leading one person out of the kingdom of Satan into the glorious light of Heaven.
Dwight L. MoodyRead
Many a professing Christian is a stumbling-block because his worship is divided. On Sunday he worships God; on weekdays God has little or no place in his thoughts.
Dwight L. MoodyRead
Let us expect that God is going to use us. Let us have courage and go forward, looking to God to do great things.
Dwight L. MoodyRead
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