Christ

"It must be firmly maintained that Christ did not come to the world only to set an example for us. If that were the case we would have law and works-righteousness again. He comes to save us and in this way be our example. His very example should humble us, teach us how infinitely far away we are from resembling him. When we humble ourselves, then Christ is pure compassion. And in our striving to approach him, he is again our very help. It alternates: when we are striving, then he is our example; and when we stumble, lose courage, then he is the love that helps us up. And then he is our example again."

-Provocations

To approach the Truth

"Wherever true seriousness is called for, the law is this: either/ or. Nothing is more detestable and disgusting, both betraying and bringing about a deeper demoralization than this: to somehow want a little part in that which must be either/or, all or nothing, and then with good-hearted moderation together rush about it, and by this prattle to pretend mendaciously that one is better than those who have nothing to do with the whole concern – pretend to be better, and thereby make the thing more difficult for those who properly have the task to do."

-Provocations

Perhaps just in this weakness God will meet you and come to your aid. This much is certain: the greatest thing each person can do is to give himself to God utterly and unconditionally – weaknesses, fears, and all. For God loves obedience more than good intentions or second-best offerings, which are all too often made under the guise of weakness.
Therefore, dare to renew your decision. It will lift you up again to have trust in God. For God is a spirit of power and love and self-control, and it is before God and for him that every decision is to be made. Dare to act on the good that lies buried within your heart. Confess your decision and do not go ashamed with downcast eyes as if you were treading on forbidden ground. If you are ashamed of your own imperfections, then cast your eyes down before God, not man. Better yet, in weakness decide and go forth!
-Kierkegaard

Purpose

"And thou wilt give thyself relief, if thou doest every act of thy life as if it were the last."

Marcus Aurelius

For Christendom

We need Christians – reborn people who have accepted the life of the Sermon on the
Mount.
We need people who work – people who are capable and willing to work.
We need people who radiate the spirit of Christ – people who witness for Christ
with their entire being.
We are a working community of disciples of Jesus who give up everything to live
simply and solely for love and for productive work. We must testify that we are a
church of Christ, a Lord’s Supper fellowship.
We need Christ and the kingdom of God, protest and the call to repentance,
testimony and faith, a bold commitment to life and love. Witnesses are needed – not
self-idolization, not the right-eousness of works, not self-appointed goals, not prophets,
not leaders. We need brotherliness in forgiveness and grace, because each proclaims
not himself but Christ.

-Eberhard Arnold

Wisdom determines what simply must be done without consideration of other options.

Rachoff

An excerpt from a conversation in the book Rachoff:


“Little mother,” Rachoff asked her one day, “What are your
teachings? What are your beliefs about God, about the rich and
poor?”
“In my eyes they all live in bondage,” Irina replied, “the richjust
as much as the poor.”
“The rich!” exclaimed Rachoff. “How can they be, when they live
in such warmth and comfort?”
“No one is free just because he has possessions,” said Irina. “And
money does not necessarily mean wealth. Yes, even the richest man
is poor. And so is every other being. The whole creation moans under
the weight of a terrible sadness. The earth itself cries out as if
in pain. There is sighing among the animals and the trees, in the
springs and the rocks, in the fire and the stars. But Jesus will come.
He hears every groan, and he will come to rescue us from our grief.
His spirit heals and reconciles and blesses; it comes to us and dwells
in our midst, and it can – through grace and hard work – pry us free
from our bondage and make us like children.”
“Children?” Rachoff puzzled.
“Yes, children.” Irina repeated. “True children are joyous,
whether they are fed with a hundred rubles or three kopeks a day,
for the spirit of Jesus lives within them.”