Godliness is more easily feigned in words than in actions
Jonathan EdwardsRead
If I murmur in the least at affliction, if I am in any way uncharitable, if I revenge my own case, if I do anything purely to please myself or omit anything because it is a great denial, if I trust myself, if I take any praise for any good which Christ does by me, or if I am in any way proud, I shall act as my own and not God’s.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of humility and selflessness in one's actions, aligning with divine purpose rather than personal desires.
Jonathan Edwards' quote reflects the deep Christian principle of humility, cautioning against self-centered actions that deviate from God's will. It signifies that any form of pride, personal gratification, or uncharitable behavior distances an individual from the divine nature, underscoring the necessity of self-denial and reliance on God's grace for true righteousness.
Themes
HumilitySelflessnessAfflictionPrideCharity
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon about self-denial, this quote might remind the congregation of the importance of putting others before themselves.
More from Jonathan Edwards
All quotes →Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
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So that it must be only by the imagination that Satan has access to the soul, to tempt and delude it, or suggest anything to it. And this seems to be the reason why persons that are under the disease of melancholy are commonly so visibly and remarkably subject to the suggestions and temptations of Satan... Innumerable are the ways by which the mind may be led on to all kind of evil thoughts, by the exciting of external ideas in the imagination.
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The deceitfulness of the heart of man appears in no one thing so much as this of spiritual pride and self-righteousness. The subtlety of Satan appears in its height, in his managing persons with respect to this sin. And perhaps one reason may be that here he has most experience; he knows the way of its coming in; he is acquainted with the secret springs of it: it was his own sin. Experience gives vast advantage in leading souls, either in good or evil.
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Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.
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True virtue never appears so lovely as when it is most oppressed; and the divine excellency of real Christianity is never exhibited with such advantage as when under the greatest trials; then it is that true faith appears much more precious than gold, and upon this account is "found to praise and honour and glory.
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