“…we cannot aspire to him in earnest until we have begun to be displeased with ourselves.”

How true. An honest assessment of our own selves reveals our need for him. Calvin further argues that if we only compare ourselves with what’s around us, we’ll never come to the truth. Only up against the blinding whiteness of his holiness do we see our corrupt pollution and our desperate need.

“…men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God.”

The great need of the moment is to have clear vision, of ourselves and of God. This is true wisdom.