That which we most desire, we worship as our god; for that…
““That which we most desire, we worship as our god; for that which is chiefly desired is the chief good in his account, who so desires it. And what he counts his chief good, that he makes his god. Desire is an act of worship . . . and to be most desired is that worship, that honor, which is due only to God. To desire anything more or so much as the enjoyment of God is to idolize it, to prostrate the heart to it, and worship it as God only should be worshipped. He only should be that one thing desirable to us above all things. . . .””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Desire becomes worship when it is seen as the highest good, but elevating anything above God is idolatry.
In simple terms: Desire can become misguided worship.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize spiritual values over desire.
Themes
desire
worship
theology
idolatry
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
reflective
Type
Desire:1
Prayer:0
Worship:1
God Desire:0
Desire Worship:0
Desired Worship:0
Worship Desired:0
God Idolize:0
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- spiritual practice
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
philosophy of religion
human motivation
moral hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- What desires do you hold as ultimate?
- How do you distinguish desire from worship?
A Different Perspective
Risk of justifying harmful cravings as sacred.