This truth is a remedy against spiritual pride, namely, that none should account himself better before God than others, though perhaps adorned with greater gifts, and endowments.
Johann ArndtRead
In short, all things that please the natural man in this world, are, to a true Christian, only so many crosses and temptations, allurements of sin and snares of death, that continually exercise his virtue.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The pleasures of the world are seen as challenges to the virtues of a true Christian.
This quote suggests that what may be appealing or enjoyable to a natural human being can represent temptations and moral challenges for a true Christian. Rather than viewing worldly pleasures as solely positive experiences, Arndt highlights the responsibility of Christians to navigate these allurements carefully, recognizing them as potential obstacles to their spiritual growth and virtue.
Themes
VirtueTemptationSinChristianityChallenges
In practice
Example use cases
During a sermon about temptation, one might use this quote to illustrate the struggle between worldly desires and spiritual integrity.
More from Johann Arndt
All quotes βBut since the world, which thou art to strive against, is not without thee, but within thee, it follows, that it is also to be conquered not without, but within thee.
Johann ArndtRead
Whatever man uses without the fear of God, whatever he applies to the mere gratifying of his flesh, cannot fail to operate as a poison to the soul, however pleasant and salutary it may appear to be to the body.
Johann ArndtRead
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