The flesh resists this daily humiliation, first by a…
““The flesh resists this daily humiliation, first by a frontal attack, and later by hiding itself under the words of the spirit (i.e. in the name of 'evangelical liberty'). We claim liberty from all legal compulsion, from self-martyrdom and mortification, and play this off against the proper evangelical use of discipline and asceticism; we thus excuse our self-indulgence and irregularity in prayer, in meditation and in our bodily life. But the contrast between our behavior and the word of Jesus is all too painfully evident. We forget that discipleship means estrangement from the world, and we forget the real joy and freedom which are the outcome of a devout rule of life. As soon as a Christian recognizes that he has failed in his service, that his readiness has become feeble, and that he has sinned against another's life and become guilty of another's guilt, that all his joy in God has vanished and that his capacity for prayer has quite gone, it is high time for him to launch an assault upon the flesh, and prepare for better service by fasting and prayer (Luke 2:37; 4:2: Mark 9:29; 1 Cor. 7:5).””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human frailty clashes with spiritual discipline, urging rigorous self‑examination and renewal.
In simple terms: Body vs. spirit conflict.
Key Takeaway
Pursue disciplined spiritual practice.
Themes
spirituality
discipline
self‑critique
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- daily prayer
- fasting
- self‑reflection
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
theology
ethics
asceticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance discipline with grace?
- What practices restore spiritual vitality?
A Different Perspective
Self‑discipline can become legalism if not balanced.