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According to the spirit of this age, the ultimate sin is…

“According to the spirit of this age, the ultimate sin is no longer the failure to honor and thank God but the failure to esteem oneself. Self-abasement, not God-abasement, is the evil. And the cry of deliverance is not "O wretched man that I am, who will deliver me?" but "O worthy man that I am…” quote by John Piper
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“According to the spirit of this age, the ultimate sin is no longer the failure to honor and thank God but the failure to esteem oneself. Self-abasement, not God-abasement, is the evil. And the cry of deliverance is not "O wretched man that I am, who will deliver me?" but "O worthy man that I am, would that I could only see it better"!”

John Piper

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The era’s greatest moral failing is not neglecting God but undervaluing oneself, leading to self‑abasing as the true evil.

In simple terms: Self‑esteem is the modern sin.

Key Takeaway

Value yourself as God does.

Themes

self‑worth spirituality humility

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • counseling
  • faith communities
  • leadership development

Key Concepts

theology psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does self‑respect differ from selfishness?
  • What practices nurture healthy self‑esteem?
A Different Perspective

Self‑esteem can become narcissism if unchecked.

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