Giving New Life to Our Daily Art

"Christianity has not, and does not profess to have, a detailed political programme for applying 'Do as you would be done by' to a particular society at a particular moment. It could not have. It is meant for all men at all times and the particular programme which suited one place or time would not suit another. And, anyhow, that is not how Christianity works. When it tells you to feed the hungry it does not give you lessons in cookery. When it tells you to read the Scriptures it does not give you lessons in Hebrew and Greek, or even in English grammar. It was never intended to replace or supersede the ordinary human arts and sciences: it is rather a director which will set them all to the right jobs, and a source of energy which will give them all new life, if only they will put themselves at its disposal."

-C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

The Dangers of Comparing

"Negative speaking so often flows from negative thinking, including negative thinking about ourselves. We see our own faults, we speak of--or at least think--critically of ourselves, and before long that is how we see everyone and everything."     

"Most 'thou shalt not' commandments are meant to keep us from hurting others, but I am convinced the commandment not to covet is meant to keep us from hurting ourselves."

(both quotes by Jeffrey R. Holland)