Certainty is the mark of the commonsense life-gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life.
When we discern that people are not going on spiritually and allow the discernment to turn to criticism, we block our way to God. God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that discernment should lead to intercession rather than criticism, as criticism can hinder spiritual growth.
Oswald Chambers highlights the importance of discernment in our spiritual lives, suggesting that the ability to perceive others' spiritual stagnation should not lead us to criticize them. Instead, discernment is a tool for intercession, enabling us to pray for and support those who may be struggling in their faith. Focusing on constructive action rather than judgment allows individuals to maintain a closer relationship with God and encourages a more compassionate approach to spirituality.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about spiritual growth, one might say, 'As Oswald Chambers reminds us, it's important not to criticize but to intercede for those who are struggling.'
More from Oswald Chambers
All quotes →Never make the blunder of trying to forecast the way God is going to answer your prayer.
Service is the overflow which pours from a life filled with love and devotion. But strictly speaking, there is no call to that. Service is what I bring to the relationship and is the reflection of my identification with the nature of God.
When we preach the love of God there is a danger of forgetting that the Bible reveals not first the love of God but the intense, blazing holiness of God, with His love at the center of that holiness.
It is much easier to do something than to trust in God; we mistake panic for inspiration.
Service is the overflow which pours from a life filled with love and devotion.
Similar quotes
Real prayer is union with God, a union as vital as that of the vine to the branch.
The prayer life does not consist of perpetual repetition of petitions. The prayer life consists of life that is always upward and onward and Godward
True worship doesn't put on a show or make a fuss; true worship isn't forced, isn't half-hearted, doesn't keep looking at its watch, doesn't worry what the person in the next pew is doing. True worship is open to God, adoring God, waiting for God, trusting God even in the dark.
The rewards of life and devotion to God are love and inner rapture, and the capacity to receive the light of God.
Do not sit down and try to pump up repentance from the dry well of a corrupt nature. It is contrary to the laws of your mind to suppose that you can force your soul into that gracious state. Take your heart in prayer to Him who understands it and say, "Lord, cleanse it. Lord, renew it. Lord, work repentance in it." The more you try to produce penitent emotions in yourself, the more you will be disappointed. However, if you believingly think of Jesus dying for you, repentance will burst forth.
Of all things, guard against neglecting God in the secret place of prayer.