Humility is the most essential thing
"Humility is the most essential thing in true religion . . . the great Christian duty is self-denial. This duty consists of two things: first, in denying worldly inclinations and its enjoyments and second, in denying self-exaltation and renouncing one’s self-significance by being empty of self. . . . The humble Christian is more apt to find fault with his own pride than with that of other men. . . . A truly humble person who has a low view of his own righteousness and holiness is poor in spirit and modest in speech. . . . He is apt to put the best construction on others’ words and behavior and to think that none is as proud as he is. But the proud hypocrite is pricked to discern the mote in his brother’s eye. He never sees the beam in his own. He’s often crying out about someone else’s pride, finding fault with that person’s appearance and way for living. Yet he never sees the filthiness of his own heart."
- Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affections (reprinted, Portland, Oregon: Multnomah Press, 1984), 132-137.
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