Meaning: The quote "God expects but one thing of you, and that is that you should come out of yourself in so far as you are a created being made and let God be God in you" is attributed to Meister Eckhart, a German theologian, philosopher, and mystic who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries. This quote encapsulates a profound spiritual teaching that has resonated with people across different religious and philosophical traditions.

At the heart of this quote is the concept of self-transcendence and surrender to the divine. Meister Eckhart invites individuals to move beyond their limited understanding of themselves and their place in the world, and instead, to open themselves to the presence and influence of God. The phrase "come out of yourself" suggests a departure from self-centeredness and ego-driven concerns, and an invitation to embrace a more expansive and spiritual perspective.

Meister Eckhart emphasizes the idea of being a "created being made," highlighting the notion that human existence is contingent upon a higher creative force. This recognition of one's created nature serves as a reminder of the inherent connection between the individual and the divine source. By acknowledging our createdness, we are encouraged to let go of the illusion of self-sufficiency and instead acknowledge our dependence on and relationship with the divine.

The phrase "let God be God in you" points to the transformative potential of allowing the divine presence to manifest within the individual. It speaks to the idea of divine immanence, the belief that God is present within and active in the world and in the lives of individuals. By letting "God be God in you," one opens oneself to the workings of the divine, allowing God's will and presence to guide and shape one's life.

This quote reflects a fundamental aspect of mystical and contemplative traditions, which emphasize the importance of transcending the ego and surrendering to a higher reality. It echoes themes found in various religious and spiritual teachings, including the Christian mysticism of which Meister Eckhart was a part, as well as broader philosophical concepts of self-transcendence and existential meaning.

In Christian mysticism, the idea of "letting God be God in you" can be understood as an invitation to cultivate a deeper relationship with the divine through prayer, meditation, and a life of spiritual discipline. It encourages individuals to open themselves to the transformative power of God's presence and to align their will with the divine will.

Beyond its specific religious context, this quote also resonates with universal themes of humility, surrender, and the recognition of a higher power or transcendent reality. It speaks to the human longing for connection and meaning, inviting individuals to look beyond their individual concerns and to recognize their place within a larger, interconnected universe.

In conclusion, Meister Eckhart's quote encapsulates a profound spiritual teaching that emphasizes the importance of self-transcendence and surrender to the divine. It invites individuals to move beyond self-centeredness, acknowledge their created nature, and open themselves to the transformative presence of God. This teaching resonates with universal themes of humility, surrender, and the recognition of a higher reality, offering a timeless message that speaks to the human longing for connection and meaning.