If you would test the character of anything, you only need to enquire whether that thing leads you to God or away from God.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of things based on their relationship to God.
This quote by Watchman Nee suggests that the true essence of anything can be judged by its effect on our spiritual direction. If something draws us closer to God, it holds positive character, whereas if it pulls us away, it indicates a negative or flawed nature. This perspective invites us to evaluate experiences, relationships, and beliefs in terms of their alignment with spiritual growth.
In practice
This quote can be used in a sermon to encourage a congregation to assess their lives and choices in light of their relationship with God.
To remove warfare from a spiritual life is to render it unspiritual. Life in the spirit is a suffering way, filled with watching and laboring, burdened by weariness and trial, punctuated by heartbreak and conflict. It is a life utterly outpoured for the kingdom of God and lived in complete disregard for one's personal happiness.
Outside of Christ, I am only a sinner, but in Christ, I am saved. Outside of Christ, I am empty; in Christ, I am full. Outside of Christ, I am weak; in Christ, I am strong. Outside of Christ, I cannot; in Christ, I am more than able. Outside of Christ, I have been defeated; in Christ, I am already victorious. How meaningful are the words, "in Christ."
Overcoming sin, blessed though it surely is, is but the bare minimum of a believers experience. There is nothing astonishing in it. Not to overcome sin is what ought to astonish us.
Imagine a civilisation that's way in advance of us wants to communicate with us, and assist us in our development. The information we provide to them must reflect our highest aspirations and ideals, and not just be some crazy person's bizarre politics or religion.
He who receives money in trust to administer for the benefit of its owner, and uses it either for his own interest or against the wishes of its rightful owner, is a thief.
The soul is made for action, and cannot rest till it be employed. Idleness is its rust. Unless it will up and think and taste and see, all is in vain.
USAGE, n. The First Person of the literary Trinity, the Second and Third being Custom and Conventionality. Imbued with a decent reverence for this Holy Triad an industrious writer may hope to produce books that will live as long as the fashion.
All our knowledge begins with the senses, proceeds then to the understanding, and ends with reason. There is nothing higher than reason.
Most of us are frightened of dying because we don't know what it meant to live.We don't know how to live,therefore we don't know how to die
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