Arrogance Quote by Richard J. Foster
“Nothing disciplines the inordinate desires of the flesh like service, and nothing transforms the desires of the flesh like serving in hiddenness. The flesh whines against service but screams against hidden service. It strains and pulls for honour and recognition. It will devise subtle, religiously acceptable means to call attention to the service rendered. If we stoutly refuse to give in to this lust of the flesh, we crucify it. Every time we crucify the flesh, we crucify our pride and arrogance.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster, 1978
Serving secretly curbs selfish cravings; hidden service eliminates pride and vanity.
In simple terms: Secret service tames desire and pride.
Key Takeaway
Choose humility over recognition.
Themes
humility
service
pride
spiritual growth
Mood
reflective
serene
Type
spiritual
inspirational
When to use this quote
- church volunteering
- anonymous charity
- private mentorship
- confidential counseling
Key Concepts
self‑discipline
self‑sacrifice
ego
inner transformation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you serve without seeking acknowledgment?
- What inner benefits arise from unseen acts?
A Different Perspective
Hidden service may be misunderstood or unappreciated.
![“But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). Galatians 5:16” quote by Joyce Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/48a/joyce-meyer-123_desire_but-i-say-walk-and-live-habitually-in-th_2878810.jpg)
![“Perhaps no order of mammals presents us with so extraordinary a series of gradations as this [step by step, from humans to apes to monkeys to lemurs] - leading us insensibly from the crown and summit of the animal creation down to creatures, from which there is but a step, as it seems, to the…” quote by Thomas Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f0b/thomas-huxley-1183_animal_perhaps-no-order-of-mammals-presents-us_3051.jpg)
