Certain Quote by John Andreas Widtsoe
“God must have been engaged from the beginning, and must now be engaged in progressive development, and infinite as God is, he must have been less powerful in the past than he is today… We may be certain that, through self-effort, the inherent and innate powers of God have been developed to a God-like degree. Thus he has become God.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Theology of the Christian Life, John Andreas Widtsoe, 1935
Human potential can grow over time, becoming increasingly powerful through effort and development, ultimately reaching a divine-like state.
In simple terms: Effort can make us more powerful over time.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate disciplined self‑improvement.
Themes
growth
self‑effort
spiritual development
potential
Mood
hopeful
reflective
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal development
- spiritual practice
- education
- career advancement
Key Concepts
divine potential
self‑actualization
progressive development
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you measure growth toward a higher ideal?
- What limits exist on self‑enhancement?
A Different Perspective
Assumes a theological framework that may not apply universally.
![“We believe in a God who is engaged in our lives, who is not silent, nor absent, nor, as Elijah said of the god of the priests of Baal, is He "[on] a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be [awakened]" (1 Kings 18:27). In this Church, even our young Primary children recite, "We believe…” quote by Jeffrey R. Holland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7f2/jeffrey-r-holland-1190_faith_we-believe-in-a-god-who-is-engaged-in-ou_1918234.jpg)
![“Consequently, they who cleave with all their mental powers to God … [they have lost their] existence like a drop which has fallen into the great sea and has come to its root and therefore is one with the waters of the sea and it is not possible to recognize it as a separate thing at all.” quote by Lawrence Kushner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/98d/lawrence-kushner-14033_life_consequently-they-who-cleave-with-all-th_1639040.jpg)
