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The human heart is a factory of idols...Everyon e of us is, from his mother's womb, expert in inventing idols.
John Calvin
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that humans inherently create false idols, or things we worship, often from a very young age.

John Calvin's quote emphasizes the notion that the human heart has a natural inclination to create idols, or objects of affection and desire, that can lead us astray. It implies that from our earliest days, we develop attachments to various ideals, beliefs, or material pursuits that can distract us from true purpose or virtue, making it crucial to be aware of our inclinations towards idolatry.

Themes

IdolsHeartDesireFaithWorship

In practice

Example use cases

In a sermon about materialism, this quote can remind congregants of the dangers of idolizing possessions.

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The pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both.
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Man is never sufficiently touched and affected by the awareness of his lowly state until he has compared himself with God's majesty.
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Whomever the Lord has adopted and deemed worthy of His fellowship ought to prepare themselves for a hard, toilsome, and unquiet life, crammed with very many and various kinds of evil.
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For as the aged, or those whose sight is defective, when any book, however fair, is set before them, though they perceive that there is something written, are scarcely able to make out two consecutive words, but, when aided by glasses, begin to read distinctly, so Scripture, gathering together the impressions of Deity, which, till then, lay confused in our minds, dissipates the darkness, and shows us the true God clearly.
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When God wants to judge a nation, He gives them wicked rulers.
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