Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
Brennan ManningRead
The Good News means we can stop lying to ourselves. The sweet sound of amazing grace saves us from the necessity of self-deception. It keeps us from denying that though Christ was victorious, the battle with lust, greed, and pride still rages within us.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our inner struggles rather than deceiving ourselves about them.
Brennan Manning's quote highlights the liberating power of the Good News, suggesting that it frees individuals from the bondage of self-deception. By recognizing our flaws and struggles with emotions such as lust, greed, and pride, we can accept grace and find a deeper truth about our human condition, ultimately leading to personal growth and honesty.
In practice
During a motivational talk on honesty, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of self-awareness.
Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
The sinners to whom Jesus directed His messianic ministry were not those who skipped morning devotions or Sunday church. His ministry was to those whom society considered real sinners. They had done nothing to merit salvation. Yet they opened themselves to the gift that was offered them. On the other hand, the self-righteous placed their trust in the works of the Law and closed their hearts to the message of grace.
There is the "you" that people see and then there is the "rest of you". Take some time and craft a picture of the "rest of you." This could be a drawing, in words, even a song. Just remember that the chances are good it will be full of paradox and contradictions.
Do you honestly believe God likes you, not just loves you because theologically God has to love you?
Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever.
For Ragamuffins, God's name is Mercy. We see our darkness as a prized possession because it drives us into the heart of God. Without mercy our darkness would plunge us into despair - for some, self-destruction. Time alone with God reveals the unfathomable depths of the poverty of the spirit. We are so poor that even our poverty is not our own: It belongs to the mysterium tremendum of a loving God.
Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it.
There’s always a choice. That’s God’s way, always will be. Your will is still free. Do as you will. There’s no set of leg-irons on you. But... this is what God wants of you.
The people will learn to feel the dignity of man. They will not merely demand their rights, which have been trampled in the dust, but themselves will take them - make them their own.
The balance of power is the scale of peace. The same balance would be preserved were all the world not destitute of arms, for all would be alike; but since some will not, others dare not lay them aside ... Horrid mischief would ensue were one half the world deprived of the use of them ... the weak will become prey to the strong.
The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation.
Every government interference in the economy consists of giving an unearned benefit, extorted by force, to some men at the expense of others.
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