Now, the more holy a man gets the more he cries in this…
““Now, the more holy a man gets the more he cries in this fashion. While he is low down in the scale, he puts up with sin, and he is uneasy, but when he gets to see Christ and get somewhat like him, the more nearly he approximates to the image of his Master, the more the presence of the least sinful thought is horrifying to him. He would, if he could, never look on sin again—never have the slightest inclination to it, but he finds his heart getting abroad and wandering when he would tether it down, if he could, to the cross and crucify it there.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Spiritual growth intensifies awareness of personal sin; the holier one becomes, the more painful even minor moral lapses feel.
In simple terms: Becoming holy makes sin feel more shocking.
Key Takeaway
Accept the discomfort and keep striving for purity.
Themes
spirituality
humility
self‑awareness
Mood
contrite
hopeful
Type
admonitory
reflective
When to use this quote
- prayer
- confession
- personal reflection
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
sin
holiness
inner conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond when minor sins feel overwhelming?
- What practices help you stay grounded in humility?
A Different Perspective
Even the most devout may still struggle with temptation.