Aids Quote by Brennan Manning
“The noonday devil of the Christian life is the temptation to lose the inner self while preserving the shell of edifying behavior. Suddenly I discover that I am ministering to AIDS victims to enhance my resume. I find I renounced ice cream for Lent to lose five excess pounds... I have fallen victim to what T.S. Eliot calls the greatest sin: to do the right thing for the wrong reason.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ragamuffin Gospel, 1999
He warns that good deeds done for selfish motives become hollow, turning virtue into vanity.
In simple terms: Doing good for the wrong reasons is a sin.
Key Takeaway
Examine your true motivations.
Themes
ethics
spirituality
authenticity
Mood
introspective
critical
Type
spiritual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- charitable work
- career advancement
- personal sacrifices
Key Concepts
selfishness
moral integrity
intention
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do you help others?
- Can noble acts be tainted by self-interest?
A Different Perspective
Motivation can be distorted by ego.
