Aristotle taught that a thing could best be understood by its four causes: the stuff it’s composed of, the pattern it follows, the being who fashioned it, and the purpose for which it was made. Consider the Christian.
First, a Christian is made of Christ’s own essence, not simply of a better grade of me. This is why it’s so silly to boast of my salvation.
Second, a Christian is made in the shape of Christ, to look like Him, not to look like me. This is why it’s so silly to look to myself for guidance.
Third, a Christian is fashioned by Christ Himself, not by any of us. This is why it’s so silly to be impatient with the process or to meddle with it.
Fourth, a Christian is made to be enjoyed by Christ and to showcase His artistic genius, rather than for sparing us the torment of hell. This is why it’s so silly to live for ourselves.
See, just knowing what a thing truly is can help avoid an awful lot of silliness.
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