--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Do we impress people with ourselves, or…" description: "\"“Do we impress people with ourselves, or with the Lord? Do we draw people to our teaching, or to the Lord? This is genuinely vital. It determines the v..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef6/watchman-nee-1561_education_do-we-impress-people-with-ourselves-or-w_1943838.jpg" --- # Do we impress people with ourselves, or with the Lord? Do… ![“Do we impress people with ourselves, or with the Lord? Do we draw people to our teaching, or to the Lord? This is genuinely vital. It determines the value of all our work and labor.” quote by Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef6/watchman-nee-1561_education_do-we-impress-people-with-ourselves-or-w_1943838.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef6/watchman-nee-1561_education_do-we-impress-people-with-ourselves-or-w_1943838.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef6/watchman-nee-1561_education_do-we-impress-people-with-ourselves-or-w_1943838.jpg) > ““Do we impress people with ourselves, or with the Lord? Do we draw people to our teaching, or to the Lord? This is genuinely vital. It determines the value of all our work and labor.”” [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The passage questions whether we impress others with our own abilities or point them toward the divine, stressing that true value lies in directing focus to God. **In simple terms:** True impact comes from pointing others to the divine, not self‑promotion. Key Takeaway Prioritize God’s work over personal glory. Themes faith humility purpose service spirituality Mood reflective devotional thoughtful Type theological practical When to use this quote - church leadership - teaching - personal evangelism - daily work Key Concepts theocentric motivation identity in Christ self‑effacement Questions to Reflect On - What does it mean to work for God in everyday life? - How can we ensure our efforts honor God, not ego? A Different Perspective Risk of neglecting personal development while focusing solely on divine attribution. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Education](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/education/) [Value](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/value/) ## Related quotes > [The Church is a system, - but whether it is as much founded on the teaching of our Lord, who was divine, as on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marie-corelli/the-church-is-a-system-but-whether-it-is-as-much-founded-on-the/) [Marie Corelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marie-corelli/) > [Most people only value what they work for, people don't respect things when they are handed to them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/most-people-only-value-what-they-work-for-people-don-t-respect-things/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I do value my work awfully; but in reality only consider this: all this world of ours is nothing but a speck of mildew,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leo-tolstoy/i-do-value-my-work-awfully-but-in-reality-only-consider-this-all-this/) [Leo Tolstoy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leo-tolstoy/) > [If you don't think there is any value in the work I, or any other serious journalists do, then don't spend your money on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/heather-brooke/if-you-don-t-think-there-is-any-value-in-the-work-i-or-any-other/) [Heather Brooke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/heather-brooke/) > [“The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace.” Psa 29:11 ”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-houge/the-lord-will-give-strength-to-his-people-the-lord-will-bless-his/) [Adam Houge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-houge/) > [To so many people, the Lord is in danger of being no more than a patron saint of our systematic theology instead of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/to-so-many-people-the-lord-is-in-danger-of-being-no-more-than-a/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [It is not the ambassador, it is not the messenger, but the Lord Himself that saveth His people. The Lord remaineth alone, for no…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose/it-is-not-the-ambassador-it-is-not-the-messenger-but-the-lord-himself/) [Ambrose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose/) > [“The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth and strips the forest bare, and in his temple all cry, “Glory!” The Lord…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scotty-smith/the-voice-of-the-lord-makes-the-deer-give-birth-and-strips-the-forest/) [Scotty Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scotty-smith/) > [“And every nation which shall war against thee, O house of Israel, shall be turned one against another, and they shall fall into the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/and-every-nation-which-shall-war-against-thee-o-house-of-israel-shall/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I have led many high-profile people to the Lord.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paula-white/i-have-led-many-high-profile-people-to-the-lord/) [Paula White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paula-white/) > [“Let us be happy people. The Lord's plan is a plan of happiness. The way will be lighter, the worries will be fewer, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gordon-b-hinckley/let-us-be-happy-people-the-lord-s-plan-is-a-plan-of-happiness-the-way/) [Gordon B. Hinckley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gordon-b-hinckley/) > [“7It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/crossway/7it-was-not-because-you-were-more-in-number-than-any-other-people/) Crossway > [Written in support of abolishing the Corn Laws, it became Elliott's most famous poem. The Peoples Anthem When wilt thou save the people Oh,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ebenezer-elliott/written-in-support-of-abolishing-the-corn-laws-it-became-elliott-s/) [Ebenezer Elliott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ebenezer-elliott/) > [ According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I \[the Lord\] have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-smith-jr/according-to-the-laws-and-constitution-of-the-people-which-i-the-lord/) [Joseph Smith, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-smith-jr/) > [“The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scotty-smith/the-lord-your-god-has-chosen-you-to-be-a-people-for-his-treasured/) [Scotty Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scotty-smith/) ## More by Watchman Nee > [Therefore, brethren, pray until God gives us revelation so that "knowing this" in our spirit we may truly confess "that our old man has…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/therefore-brethren-pray-until-god-gives-us-revelation-so-that-knowing/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [If you perform your part, God will fulfill His. And once you put off specifically, you should just as thoroughly believe that God will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/if-you-perform-your-part-god-will-fulfill-his-and-once-you-put-off/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [“That which they have need of . . . let it be given them day by day without fail. Ezra 6:9 If we really…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/that-which-they-have-need-of-let-it-be-given-them-day-by-day-without/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [With fear and trembling we must rely upon God for guidance in the inner depths. This is the sole way to walk according to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/with-fear-and-trembling-we-must-rely-upon-god-for-guidance-in-the/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [When the fruit of your service is out of all proportion to the gifts you possess, THAT is Blessing!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/when-the-fruit-of-your-service-is-out-of-all-proportion-to-the-gifts/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [If the mind is open the individual will soon perceive the preciousness of a truth which initially appeared rather dull to him but now…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/if-the-mind-is-open-the-individual-will-soon-perceive-the/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [The idea of waste only comes into our Christianity when we underestimate the worth of our Lord.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/the-idea-of-waste-only-comes-into-our-christianity-when-we/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [“Only those who are subject to authority can be authority.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/only-those-who-are-subject-to-authority-can-be-authority/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [Henceforth we are dead to everything pertaining to ourselves and alive to His Spirit alone. This requires our exercising faith.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/henceforth-we-are-dead-to-everything-pertaining-to-ourselves-and/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [Victory is the normal experience of a Christian; defeat should be the abnormal experience.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/victory-is-the-normal-experience-of-a-christian-defeat-should-be-the/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [God is not seeking a display of my Christ-likeness , but a manifestation of His Christ.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/god-is-not-seeking-a-display-of-my-christ-likeness-but-a/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [Only those who are spiritual perceive the reality of the spiritual foe and hence engage in battle. Such warfare is not fought with arms…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/only-those-who-are-spiritual-perceive-the-reality-of-the-spiritual/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [It does not matter what your personal deficiency, or whether it be a hundred and one different things, God has always one sufficient answer,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/it-does-not-matter-what-your-personal-deficiency-or-whether-it-be-a/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [Never adopt an attitude of indifference, for if you do you will suffer for it. The weight will grow heavier and heavier.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/never-adopt-an-attitude-of-indifference-for-if-you-do-you-will-suffer/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [None who are shod with fleshly shoes can stand on the holy ground of God's service. Many failures and much waste and confusion which…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/none-who-are-shod-with-fleshly-shoes-can-stand-on-the-holy-ground-of/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) [Explore all 227 Watchman Nee quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) ## More Education quotes > [I put myself in the student's place and remember the frustrations, doubts, determination, and desires I felt when I was going through the initial…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-martinez/i-put-myself-in-the-student-s-place-and-remember-the-frustrations/) Ted Martinez > [“In school you are taught to obey and not to think straight for your own good. Otherwise the world would be full of millionaires…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mwanandeke-kindembo/in-school-you-are-taught-to-obey-and-not-to-think-straight-for-your/) [Mwanandeke Kindembo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mwanandeke-kindembo/) > [For successful education there must always be a certain freshness in the knowledge dealt with. It must be either new in itself or invested…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alfred-north-whitehead/for-successful-education-there-must-always-be-a-certain-freshness-in/) [Alfred North Whitehead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alfred-north-whitehead/) > [Where I grew up, learning was a collective activity. But when I got to school and tried to share learning with other students that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-giroux/where-i-grew-up-learning-was-a-collective-activity-but-when-i-got-to/) [Henry Giroux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-giroux/) > [There's no authoritarian structure at Reed College, but the education is conservative. So what you have is a lot of students who are very…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-miller/there-s-no-authoritarian-structure-at-reed-college-but-the-education/) [Donald Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-miller/) > [“What's the best thing about being in college? Good teachers. They inspire you, they entertain you, and you end up learning a ton even…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicholas-sparks/what-s-the-best-thing-about-being-in-college-good-teachers-they/) [Nicholas Sparks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicholas-sparks/) > [“If one has not a head of steel it will burst; if he has not within it a brain of liquid quicksilver, he will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ioannes-amos-commenius/if-one-has-not-a-head-of-steel-it-will-burst-if-he-has-not-within-it/) Ioannes Amos Commenius > [“let us not teach / what we have learned badly / and not profited by”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/h-d-hilda-doolittle/let-us-not-teach-what-we-have-learned-badly-and-not-profited-by/) H.D. (Hilda Doolittle > [“It took me years to learn to sit at my desk for more than two minutes at a time, to put up with the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erica-jong/it-took-me-years-to-learn-to-sit-at-my-desk-for-more-than-two-minutes/) [Erica Jong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erica-jong/) > [According to Plato, we don't learn anything. Our soul has lived so many lives that we know everything. Teachers and education can only remind…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-palahniuk/according-to-plato-we-don-t-learn-anything-our-soul-has-lived-so-many/) [Chuck Palahniuk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-palahniuk/) > [“I only began to enjoy studying after I got through the educational system and became a so-called member of society. If something interested me,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-only-began-to-enjoy-studying-after-i-got-through-the-educational/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If you had made the acquiring of ignorance the study of your life, you could not have graduated with higher honor than you could…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-twain/if-you-had-made-the-acquiring-of-ignorance-the-study-of-your-life-you/) [Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/) > [How wonderful it would be, I thought, if only we could practice the teachings of the Buddha as he really taught them from his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dzogchen-ponlop-rinpoche/how-wonderful-it-would-be-i-thought-if-only-we-could-practice-the/) [Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dzogchen-ponlop-rinpoche/) > [English teachers tend to put more thought in the books than the author did](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/english-teachers-tend-to-put-more-thought-in-the-books-than-the/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [When will society, like a mother, take care of all her children?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/horace-mann/when-will-society-like-a-mother-take-care-of-all-her-children/) [Horace Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/horace-mann/) [Browse all 37,666 Education quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/education/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“Do we impress people with ourselves, or with the Lord? Do we draw people to our teaching, or to the Lord? This is genuinely vital. It determines the value of all our work and labor.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Watchman Nee" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/do-we-impress-people-with-ourselves-or-with-the-lord-do-we-draw/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Education" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/do-we-impress-people-with-ourselves-or-with-the-lord-do-we-draw/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef6/watchman-nee-1561_education_do-we-impress-people-with-ourselves-or-w_1943838.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef6/watchman-nee-1561_education_do-we-impress-people-with-ourselves-or-w_1943838.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ef6/watchman-nee-1561_education_do-we-impress-people-with-ourselves-or-w_1943838.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Do we impress people with ourselves, or with the Lord? Do we draw people to our teaching, or to the Lord?…” — Watchman Nee", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Watchman Nee", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "“Do we impress people with ourselves,...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/do-we-impress-people-with-ourselves-or-with-the-lord-do-we-draw/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/do-we-impress-people-with-ourselves-or-with-the-lord-do-we-draw/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```