John Owen: 'The vigor and power and comfort of our spiritual life depends on our mortification of deeds of the flesh.'

The vigor and power and comfort of our spiritual life depends on our mortification of deeds of the flesh.

In John Owen's statement, "The vigor and power and comfort of our spiritual life depends on our mortification of deeds of the flesh," he emphasizes the crucial role that the mortification of sinful actions plays in nurturing and sustaining our spiritual well-being. Simply put, Owen suggests that in order to experience a vibrant and fulfilling spiritual life, we must actively suppress and eliminate the desires and behaviors associated with our sinful nature.The quote urges us to reflect on the direct correlation between our spiritual vitality and our ability to overcome the temptations and tendencies that draw us away from righteousness. By employing the term "mortification," Owen conveys the notion of putting to death our sinful inclinations and nurturing a lifestyle that aligns with God's will. Through this process, we not only achieve a greater sense of self-control but also open ourselves up to receiving the abundance of spiritual power and comfort that comes from a life lived in accordance with God's commands.However, beyond the straightforward interpretation of Owen's quote, let us delve into an unexpected philosophical concept that can bring a fresh perspective to this topic. Consider the philosophical idea of "antifragility" proposed by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. While Owen's quote focuses on suppressing and eliminating the deeds of the flesh, the concept of antifragility highlights the notion that adversity and challenges can actually strengthen and improve us.Antifragility can be described as the opposite of fragility. In a fragile state, external stressors, such as temptation or sinfulness, can cause damage and weaken an individual. On the other hand, an antifragile individual thrives and becomes stronger in the face of adversity. Applying this concept to Owen's quote prompts us to consider whether our spiritual life can transcend mere suppression and elimination and move toward a state of antifragility.To explore this idea further, let us compare and contrast the implications of Owen's quote with antifragility. While both perspectives acknowledge the importance of overcoming the deeds of the flesh, they differ in their underlying approach. Owen's quote suggests that we must diligently strive to suppress and eliminate our sinful tendencies to attain spiritual vitality. It places great emphasis on the individual's actions and efforts in combating sinfulness.In contrast, the concept of antifragility invites us to recognize that adversity itself can contribute to our spiritual growth. Rather than merely submitting to suppression, we are invited to embrace the challenges presented to us as opportunities for resilience and growth. By facing temptations and overcoming them, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of our own vulnerabilities and strengths, ultimately fortifying our spiritual life.While Owen's quote highlights the importance of actively combatting sin and avoiding worldly desires, antifragility prompts us to view our spiritual journey through a lens of transformation and growth. It encourages us to perceive the setbacks and difficulties we encounter as valuable experiences for nurturing our spiritual vitality.In conclusion, John Owen's quote emphasizes the vital role of mortifying the deeds of the flesh in cultivating a vibrant and fulfilling spiritual life. However, by introducing the concept of antifragility, we are encouraged to not only suppress and eliminate our sinful tendencies but also embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and strengthening our spirituality. By reflecting on both perspectives, we can nurture a holistic approach to our spiritual journey, one that recognizes the need for active suppression but also embraces the transformative power of overcoming adversity.