God uses chronic pain and weakness, along with
other afflictions, as his chisel for sculpting our
lives. Felt weakness deepens dependence on Christ
for strength each day. The weaker we feel, the harder
we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we
grow spiritually, even while our bodies waste away.
To live with your "thorn" uncomplainingly--that is,
sweet, patient, and free in heart to love and help
others, even though every day you feel weak--is
true sanctification. It is true healing for the
spirit. It is a supreme victory of grace.
--J.I. Packer (1926- )
A true understanding and humble estimate of oneself
is the highest and most valuable of all lessons. To
take no account of oneself, but always to think well
and highly of others is the highest wisdom and
perfection.--Thomas A' Kempis (1380-1471)
_The Imitation Of Christ_ [c. 1420], Book 1, Chapter
Roman Catholicism continued to see the inner structure of the state in the old pagan way as the total bond of all natural society, and continue to deduce the principles for political life though natural reason apart from revelation -The christian idea of the state, Herman Dooyeweerd, p12
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