Accountability Quote by Richard J. Foster
““But, and here comes the rub, all of us feel that we are in complete control of our desire for things. We would never admit to an ungovernable spirit of covetousness. The problem is that we, like the alcoholic, are unable to recognize the disease once we have been engulfed by it. Only by the help of others are we able to detect the inner spirit that places wealth about God. And we must come to fear the idolatrous state of covetousness because the moment things have priority, radical obedience becomes impossible.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Celebration of Discipline, 1978
Humans claim control over desires but often hide greed; recognizing it requires external help and humility.
In simple terms: We hide greed and need help to see it.
Key Takeaway
Seek humility and community insight.
Themes
greed
self-awareness
spiritual discipline
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
spiritual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- spiritual counseling
- group accountability
Key Concepts
self-deception
humility
spiritual health
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you detect hidden greed in yourself?
- Who can help you stay accountable?
A Different Perspective
Self-awareness can be hindered by denial.
![“Without the cross the Discipline of Confession would be merely therapeutic. But it is so much more. It involves an objective [a better word would have been "metaphysical"] change in our relationship with God and a subjective change in us. It is a means of healing and transforming the inner spirit.” quote by Richard J. Foster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/250/richard-j-foster-1460_change_without-the-cross-the-discipline-of-conf_2426298.jpg)
