Not our inadequacy, but God’s perfect will is now the substance of our life and thinking. Therefore, from now on our entire interest goes away from ourselves, toward all people of the earth and of all worlds of God, toward near and far creatures of God; toward those who have died and those unborn. The interest of God’s kingdom embraces the times and spaces of all worlds of God, of the earth as well as of all other worlds with all their spiritual princes and creatures of light. That God’s kingdom may become reality on earth as it is real in heaven—that is what we have to live for. Certainly, for this a turning is necessary.
- Eberhard Arnold
- Eberhard Arnold, January 1920 From an EssayJustice and love demand that everyone take part in simple practical work with a spade, hatchet, or rake. Everyone should be ready to devote a few hours every day to this practical work; those who have done purely mental work till now will feel its humanizing effect especially. In this way it will be possible for each person’s unique gifts to be kindled. The light that flickers within each heart will then exhibit its once-hidden glow in scholarly research or in music, in expressive words, or in the craftsman’s art in wood, stone, or paint…such work will reveal the joy in life that is in each person. Only death knows idleness and tedium. Where there is life, the mind’s creative will remains alert and comes to expression in the service of the whole.
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Yesterday's quote
January 31,2026
In many, I see how again and again there come shadows and low points in deeds and acts, in spite of luminous heights. Then there is simply the faith, the readiness to receive and hold on to Jesus Christ, who alone is the One we need.
- Eberhard Arnold
January 30,2026
We live in poverty and without personal possessions; we do this for love of Christ and for the sake of those who are poorer than we, the very poorest.…Yet this love for the poor cannot be the final thing. It must be surpassed by love to God. Christ says, “You will not always have me with you.” (Matt. 26:11) On the other hand, we must not let our love for God cause us to neglect love to the poor. Out of love to God we should love our neighbor. If you see your brother or sister in need and say, “God will help you,” and give nothing, where is your love to God? (James 2:15–16)
- Eberhard Arnold, September 1934
