But since the world, which thou art to strive against, is not without thee, but within thee, it follows, that it is also to be conquered not without, but within thee.
Johann ArndtRead
This truth is a remedy against spiritual pride, namely, that none should account himself better before God than others, though perhaps adorned with greater gifts, and endowments.
Interpretation
Humility is essential in spirituality; no one is superior to another despite their talents or gifts.
This quote highlights the importance of humility in one's spiritual journey. It suggests that regardless of an individual's talents, virtues, or gifts, they should not consider themselves superior to others before God. Spiritual pride can lead to a disconnect from true humility and an imbalance in oneβs relationship with others and the divine.
In practice
In a sermon about humility, this quote can be used to remind congregants to remain grounded.
But since the world, which thou art to strive against, is not without thee, but within thee, it follows, that it is also to be conquered not without, but within thee.
In short, all things that please the natural man in this world, are, to a true Christian, only so many crosses and temptations, allurements of sin and snares of death, that continually exercise his virtue.
Whatever man uses without the fear of God, whatever he applies to the mere gratifying of his flesh, cannot fail to operate as a poison to the soul, however pleasant and salutary it may appear to be to the body.
Every minute you are thinking of evil, you might have been thinking of good instead. Refuse to pander to a morbid interest in your own misdeeds. Pick yourself up, be sorry, shake yourself, and go on again.
What would it be like to have not only color vision but culture vision, the ability to see the multiple worlds of others.
He who sings frightens away his ills.
We must master our good fortune, or it will master us.
Put the argument into a concrete shape, into an image, some hard phrase, round and solid as a ball, which they can see and handle and carry home with them, and the cause is half won.
Cleave ever to the sunnier side of doubt.
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