Dallas Willard Quotes

The aim of God in history is the creation of an inclusive community of loving persons with God himself at the very center of that community as its primary sustainer and most glorious inhabitant.

The greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heartbreaking needs, is whether those who, by profession or culture, are identified as ‘Christians’ will become disciples — students, apprentices, practitioners — of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to live the life of the Kingdom of the Heavens into every corner of human existence.

The transformation of lives always happens through personal relationships, and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the key to lasting change.

Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action. Grace, you know, does not just have to do with forgiveness of sins alone.

In obtaining the virtues, we are not so much acquiring something along with Jesus as we are entering into a life of sharing with Jesus in his knowledge of, obedience to, and love for the Father.

Spiritual formation in Christ is the process whereby we are transformed into his image, and it proceeds through engagement and interaction with Jesus Christ in all areas of life.

God’s aim in human history is to create and develop people who live as he himself does in the same world in which he acts.

Discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were you.

Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning.

Grace is not opposed to morality, but it does oppose earning.

A robust and freedom-loving orthodoxy will include a robust and boundaried ecumenism.

Our focus should always be on what Jesus would do if he were really us, not on what we imagine he would do if he were really us.

The world can no longer be left to mere diplomats, politicians, and business leaders. They have done the best they could, no doubt. But this is an age for spiritual heroes- a time for men and women to be heroic in their faith and in spiritual character and power.

The power of God is not in what we proclaim or even in our intellectual grasp of God’s truth, but in our intimate relationship with him.

Our character is revealed not in the big moments of life but in the small choices we make every day.

The secret of the easy yoke is to know that the yoke is easy.

God’s thoughts towards us are more thoughts of peace than of evil.

The church’s job is not to make the world more Christian, but to make the world more human.

The only way that people can change is if they engage in conscious, deliberate, intentional activity.

The first and most basic thing we can and must do is pray.

Prayer is not so much about getting things from God as it is about getting into a position where we can receive what God is already offering.

Jesus never intended for us to be spectators in his kingdom. We are called to be active participants.

Discipleship is a lifelong journey of transformation.

The true test of our spirituality is not what we claim to believe or how well we can argue our theological points, but how well we love others.

We are never more like Jesus than when we are serving others.

It’s not what you know that matters, but what you do with what you know.

Following Jesus means putting him first in every area of our lives.

The key to living a full and abundant life is to live in constant communion with God.

God’s love for us is not based on our performance or achievements, but on his grace and mercy.

True freedom is not the absence of constraints, but the ability to choose the right constraints.

We are not called to be successful, but to be faithful.

God’s kingdom is not a place, but a way of life.

Everything we do should be done for the glory of God.

The most important decision we can make is to surrender our lives to Jesus.

The key to happiness is not in acquiring more possessions, but in deepening our relationship with God.

Light and darkness cannot coexist. We must choose one over the other.

Worrying does not add any value to our lives. It only robs us of our peace and joy.

We are not called to judge others, but to love them unconditionally.

The greatest treasure we can possess is a heart that is fully surrendered to God.

True humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less.

The life of a disciple is a life of constant learning and growth.

We are called to be light in a dark world.

God’s purpose for us is not just to survive, but to thrive.

True success is not measured by wealth or fame, but by the impact we have on the lives of others.

God’s love for us is infinite and unconditional.

Every moment is an opportunity to grow closer to God.

The fruit of the Spirit is the result of a life fully yielded to God.

Living for God’s glory is the key to true fulfillment.

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be a reflection of his love and grace.

The Christian life is not a sprint, but a marathon. It requires endurance and perseverance.