Lest self be intended, while God is pretended

Here’s a terribly indicting but ultimately hope-giving counsel from Richard Baxter concerning our tendency to use God for our own purposes:

‘Our hearts are so selfish and deceitful, naturally, that when we are very solicitous about our reputation, we must carefully watch them lest self be intended, while God is pretended. And we must take special care, that we be sure it be the honour of God, and religion, and the good of souls, or some greater benefit than honour itself, that we value our honour and reputation for.’

Baxter advises us to leave our reputation to God. ‘It is our duty to love and honour, but not to be beloved and honoured.’

Posted by Stephen Witmer on Jul 8, 09:51 AM