8

It is natural that as soon as man has chosen a particular goal, he considers the means that will enable him to attain that goal. We see this even in toddlers who are just starting to walk. They are very resourceful when they want something that is just outside their reach and will climb on a small chair or stool to reach the desired object. Even a thirsty bird knows that by filling a bucket with little stones it can make the water level rise until the water, previously out of range, can be reached. The bird then can quench its thirst. People who are forever talking about wanting something but never use the means available to obtain it clearly show that they do not really desire it with all their heart.

 

Willem Teellinck, The Path of True Godliness, ed. Joel R. Beeke, trans. Annemie Godbehere, Classics of Reformed Spirituality (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2003), 147.