ex libris

"We can easily see how restless people are who follow their own mind, how many tricks they try and how they tire themselves out in their efforts to obtain the objects of their ambition and avarice, and then again to avoid poverty and humility. If godfearing people do not want to be caught in such snares they must pursue another course: they should not hope, or desire, or even think of prosperity without God's blessing. We may believe and trust that everything depends on divine blessing alone. It may look to us that we can easily attain honor and riches through our own industry, or strenuous exertion, or through the favor of others; yet, it is certain that all these things are nothing in themselves, and that we shall not make any headway by our insight or by our labors, but in so far as the Lord shall prosper both.

"On the other hand, his blessing will find a way to make us happy and prosperous, whatever adversities may come. And though we may be able to obtain a certain measure of wealth and fame without divine blessing, as we may daily observe in godless people who acquire great honors and enormous riches, yet we shall see that those who are under the curse of God have not the smallest particle of happiness. Therefore, we cannot gain anything without divine blessing; and if we do, it will prove a calamity to us. Let us then not be foolish and wish for things that will make us more miserable." - John Calvin, Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life, 38-39.

I've recently been re-reading this little booklet in preparation for a discussion on it with the students in my Spiritual Development course. Originally written about 450 years ago Calvin's words here stand out as remarkably applicable to our day and age. Those of us in Western societies tend to be especially susceptible to this idea that "just a little more" will make me happy. Sadly this is a deception many people fall for, myself included. A little more cash, a little more status, a little more sex, a little more entertainment, a little more... whatever. However, a little more is never enough. It always makes us want more. If our hearts were made for God then nothing short of God can truly fill the void in our hearts that always make us want more. Calvin's direct words get straight to the point that my heart often forgets.