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'We are so utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a Power the Twentieth Century does not reckon with. But we are 'harmless,' and therefore unharmed. We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the-death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brass, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross. We are 'sideliners' -- coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own. Oh that God would make us dangerous!'

Jim Elliot#5

FaithSpiritualityActivismCourage

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker challenges believers to stop being passive and to become bold and dangerous in their spiritual convictions.
In plain terms
Stop being harmless; be dangerous and bold in your faith.
What can you take from it?
Spiritual growth requires courage and boldness, not just safety.

Where it applies

  • religious community
  • moral activism
  • personal faith

Putting it to work

  • challenge passivity
  • act on convictions
  • engage with difficult issues

Questions to consider

  • What does it mean to be dangerous in faith?
  • Why do believers prefer safety?

Another view

The term dangerous may be misinterpreted as aggressive.

More from Jim Elliot

  1. 'Saturate me with the oil of Thy Spirit, that I may be aflame. Make me Thy fuel O flame of God.'

    Permalink to quote #4
  2. 'Those whimpering Stateside young people will wake up on the Day of Judgment condemned to worse fates than these demon-fearing Indians, because, having a Bible…

    Permalink to quote #6
  3. 'God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one…

    Permalink to quote #3

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