Darren Williams

“Luther reflects on how joy is a gift of God that eludes those who try to grasp it for themselves. He concludes that joy comes from being satisfied with God’s Word and work, and receiving his gifts with thanksgiving and contentment. The restless, anxious yearning and striving of the sinful nature cannot lead to joy, since the sinful nature is always coveting what it does not possess. It does not thank God for the things it has or stop to enjoy them, but vexes itself with many troubles as it tries to heap up more—more riches, more glory, more honor, more fame. It cheats itself of the blessings it has in the present by uselessly troubling itself about a future it cannot control. Instead of appreciating what it has, it is constantly seeking after things it cannot attain, or, even if it does attain them, that it does not enjoy, since it soon despises them and seeks after something else. As wealth increases, so does greed. The more honor or power someone receives, the more she covets.82 Luther gives the following examples. A man is alone and craves a wife, but when he finds one he quickly becomes bored with her. People with healthy eyes rarely stop to take pleasure in them or to reflect on what a good gift of God they are. Yet if they lost them, they would give great treasure to get them back. Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great toiled mightily for power, but when they achieved it were not satisfied, but perished striving for more.”
― Michael A. Lockwood, The Unholy Trinity: Martin Luther Against the Idol of Me, Myself and I

“They may use the name of Christ, but their Christ is an idol who justifies sin”
― Michael A. Lockwood, The Unholy Trinity: Martin Luther Against the Idol of Me, Myself and I

“truth, virtue, and courage are not necessarily enough, but they are our best bet.”
― Jordan B. Peterson, Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life

“If you begin to deviate from the straight and narrow path—if you begin to act improperly—people will react to your errors before they become too great, and cajole, laugh, tap, and criticize you back into place. They will raise an eyebrow, or smile (or not), or pay attention (or not). If other people can tolerate having you around, in other words, they will constantly remind you not to misbehave, and just as constantly call on you to be at your best. All that is left for you to do is watch, listen, and respond appropriately to the cues.”
― Jordan B. Peterson, Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life