The root of all virtue and grace, of all faith and acceptable worship, is that we know that we have nothing but what we receive, and bow in deepest humility to wait upon God for it.
Interpretation
The essence of virtue and worship lies in recognizing our dependency on a higher power.
This quote emphasizes the importance of humility in our relationship with the divine. It suggests that true virtue, grace, and faith stem from an acknowledgment that everything we possess is a gift received from God, and that in this recognition, we find the foundation for our worship and spiritual life. It calls for a posture of humility and a readiness to receive as we await God's provisions.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a spiritual retreat to encourage participants to reflect on their reliance on divine grace.
God has a plan for His Church upon earth. But alas! we too often make our plan, and we think that we know what ought to be done. We ask God first to bless our feeble efforts, instead of absolutely refusing to go unless God go before us.
Pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you.
The only humility that is really ours is not that which we try to show before God in prayer, but that which we carry with us, and carry out, in our ordinary conduct; the insignficances of daily life are the importances and the tests of eternity, because they prove what really is the spirit that possesses us.
Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!
Humility is the displacement of self by the enthronement of God.
Being filled with the Spirit is simply this - having my whole nature yielded to His power. When the whole soul is yielded to the Holy Spirit, God Himself will fill it.
The fourth (of the four cardinal virtues) is supportiveness: this manifests as service to others without expectation of reward. (Paraphrased: Such service is not a mere conforming to some external rule of behavior, but instead a manifestation of your original nature).
It is not greedy to enjoy a good dinner, any more than it is to enjoy a good concert. But I do think there is something greedy about trying to enjoy the dinner and the concert at the same time.
There is no truer cause of unhappiness amongst men than, where naturally expecting charity and benevolence, they receive harm and vexation.
In a sensibly organised society, if you improve productivity, there is room for everybody to benefit.
The emotions aren't always immediately subject to reason, but they are always immediately subject to action.
Truly generous men are always ready to become sympathetic when their enemy’s misfortune surpasses the limits of their hatred.
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