A home is a kingdom of it's own in the midst of the world, a stronghold amid life's storms and stresses, a refuge, even a sanctuary.
Dietrich BonhoefferRead
If there is no element of asceticism in our lives, if we give free rein to the desires of the flesh (taking care of course to keep within the limits of what seems permissible to the world), we shall find it hard to train for the service of Christ. When the flesh is satisfied it is hard to pray with cheerfulness or to devote oneself to a life of service which calls for much self-renunciation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Asceticism helps in resisting earthly desires to serve a higher purpose.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer's quote emphasizes the importance of asceticism, or self-discipline, in living a life dedicated to serving Christ. He suggests that succumbing to worldly desires makes it difficult to fully commit to spiritual practices and selfless service, as a life of indulgence can detract from the capacity for prayer and genuine altruism.
Themes
AsceticismSelf-DenialServiceSpiritualityDiscipline
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a sermon about the importance of self-discipline in spiritual growth.
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...And then, just when everything is bearing down on us to such an extent that we can scarcely withstand it, the Christmas message comes to tell us that all our ideas are wrong, and that what we take to be evil and dark is really good and light because it comes from God. Our eyes are at fault, that is all.
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Anyone who thinks that his time is too valuable to spend keeping quiet will eventually have no time for God and his brother, but only for himself and for his own follies.
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