How seldom we weigh our neighbor in the same balance with ourselves.
Thomas A KempisRead
The more humble and obedient to God a man is, the more wise and at peace he will be in all that he does.
Interpretation
Humility and obedience to God lead to greater wisdom and inner peace.
This quote suggests that by cultivating humility and being obedient to a higher power, individuals can achieve a deeper understanding of life and a sense of tranquility in their actions. It emphasizes the connection between spiritual submission and personal wisdom, indicating that true peace comes from aligning oneself with divine guidance.
In practice
In a sermon discussing spiritual growth, this quote can remind the congregation of the importance of humility.
How seldom we weigh our neighbor in the same balance with ourselves.
He will easily be content and at peace, whose conscience is pure.
Trust not to your feelings for whatever they might be now, they will quickly be changed towards some other thing.
Jesus has many who love the kingdom of God, but few who bear a cross. He has many who desire His comfort, but few who desire His suffering. All want to rejoice with him, but few are willing to suffer for Him. He writes; there are many who admire his miracles, but there are few who follow in the humiliation of the cross.
Anyone who thinks hard work will never hurt you has never had to pay to have it done. Jesus now has many lovers of his Heavenly Kingdom, but few bearers of his cross.
He has great tranquillity of heart who cares neither for the praises nor the fault-finding of men. He will easily be content and pacified, whose conscience is pure. You are not holier if you are praised, nor the more worthless if you are found fault with. What you are, that you are; neither by word can you be made greater than what you are in the sight of God.
What you call flaws are really just scars and wounds accumulated over a lifetime.
Writing about the indignities of old age: the daunting stairway to the restaurant restroom, the benefits of a wheelchair in airports and its disadvantages at cocktail parties, giving the user what he described as a child's-eye view of the party and a crotch-level view of the guests. Dying is a matter of slapstick and pratfalls. The aging process is not gradual or gentle. It rushes up, pushes you over and runs off laughing. No one should grow old who isn't ready to appear ridiculous.
Be mindful 24 hours a day, not just during the one hour you may allot for formal meditation or reading scripture and reciting prayers. Each act must be carried out in mindfulness.
Truth is the only safe ground to stand on.
Only make decisions that support your self-image, self-esteem, and self-worth.
Attend with Diligence and strict Integrity to the Interest of your Correspondents and enter into no Engagements which you have not the almost certain Means of performing.
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