If I have observed anything by experience, it is this: a man may take the measure of his growth and decay in grace according to his thoughts and meditations upon the person of Christ, and the glory of Christ's Kingdom, and of His love.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that personal growth and spiritual development are connected to one's thoughts about Christ and His teachings.
John Owen reflects on the idea that an individual's spiritual journey, encompassing both growth and decline in grace, can be assessed through their contemplation of Christ and the ideals associated with His Kingdom. It implies that focusing on Christ's love and glory directly influences a person's moral and spiritual condition, serving as a measure for self-evaluation and improvement.
In practice
During a church sermon on personal development, this quote can inspire the congregation to reflect on their thoughts about Christ.
Because he is; that is, because he is an infinitely glorious, good, wise, holy, powerful, righteous, self-subsisting , self-sufficient , and all-sufficient being; the fountain and author of all being and good; the first cause, last end, and sovereign Lord of all; therefore, he is to be worshipped: therefore, are we to admire, adore, and love him; to praise, to trust and to fear him.
Mortification is the soul's vigorous opposition to self, wherein sincerity is most evident.
The growth of trees and plants takes place so slowly that it is not easily seen. Daily we notice little change. But, in course of time, we see that a great change has taken place. So it is with grace. Sanctification is a progressive, lifelong work (Prov 4:18). It is an amazing work of God's grace and it is a work to be prayed for (Rom 8:27).
Free will is "corrupted nature's deformed darling, the Pallas or beloved self-conception of darkened minds"
A man may be carried on in a constant course of mortification all his days; and yet perhaps never enjoy a good day of peace and consolation.
There are two things that are suited to humble the souls of men, and they are, first, a due consideration of God, and then of themselves - of God, in His greatness, glory, holiness, power, majesty, and authority; of ourselves, in our mean, abject, and sinful condition.
In so far as men are influenced by envy or any kind of hatred, one towards another, they are at variance, and are therefore to be feared in proportion, as they are more powerful than their fellows._x000D_ _x000D_ Yet minds are not conquered by force, but by love and high-mindedness.
You don't 'have' a life, you 'are' life. The One Life, the one consciousness that pervades the entire universe and takes temporary form to experience itself as a stone or blade of grass, as an animal, a person, a star or a galaxy.
All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.
There's no point of having faith if you have evidence.
It is our task to inquire into the causes that have brought about the observed differentiation, and to investigate the sequence of events that have led to the establishment of the multifarious forms of human life
It is true that we are called to create a better world. But we are first of all called to a more immediate and exalted task: that of creating our own lives.
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