what fools we've been

"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." -Romans 8:29

"Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent." -Revelation 2:5

So often our minds seek to be occupied, but not to be occupied with God.
So often our senses yearn for beauty, but not the beauty of God.
So often our lips pursue expression, but not to express God.
So often our ideals extol virtues, but not the virtues of God.
So often our hearts long to love, but not to love God.
So often our souls desire joy, peace, and wonder as autonomous, godless trifles!

What wretched blasphemy, that the infinitely glorious God of eternity should be overlooked and scorned by His own creatures! What damnable idolatry, that we should prefer to thanklessly revel in God's providence, rather than to love the Lord our God with all our heats, all our souls, all our minds, and all our strength! What repugnant hypocrisy, that man should write poem, novel, and song to praise life, love, heroism, justice, mercy, and sacrifice, while disdaining the One who is Himself the source and substance of all virtue!

But oh, what unthinkable grace, that the righteous Judge of all men should sacrifice His beloved Son, to redeem His bitter enemies, and make them heavenly sons, gloriously fit to adore, enjoy, and worship as Lord their resurrected older Brother! Oh, what fools we've been!