Meaning: This quote by Johann Arndt, a German Lutheran theologian, encapsulates a profound insight into the Christian perspective on the nature of worldly pleasures and their relationship to spiritual life. Arndt was a prominent figure in the Lutheran tradition, known for his influential writings on Christian spirituality and piety during the 16th and 17th centuries. The quote reflects Arndt's emphasis on the contrast between the values of the natural man, or the unregenerate individual, and those of a true Christian who has been transformed by faith.

Arndt's assertion that "all things that please the natural man in this world" are viewed as "crosses and temptations" by a true Christian underscores the radical difference in perspective between those who are oriented towards worldly gratification and those who are committed to a life of faith and virtue. The natural man, in Arndt's theology, is driven by self-interest and the pursuit of worldly pleasure, which are ultimately seen as distractions and impediments to spiritual growth. For the true Christian, these same pleasures are perceived as "allurements of sin and snares of death" – forces that pull the individual away from the path of righteousness and towards spiritual peril.

Arndt's concept of "temptations, allurements of sin, and snares of death" speaks to the pervasive and insidious nature of worldly enticements, which pose a constant challenge to the Christian's commitment to living a life of virtue and faith. The language used by Arndt vividly conveys the spiritual stakes involved in navigating the allurements of the world, framing them not merely as harmless distractions, but as actively working against the Christian's moral and spiritual well-being.

The idea that these worldly pleasures "continually exercise his virtue" further emphasizes Arndt's view that the Christian life is one characterized by ongoing struggle and moral effort. Rather than being passive recipients of pleasure, true Christians are called to actively engage with the challenges posed by worldly temptations, using them as opportunities to strengthen and refine their moral character. Arndt's language suggests that these challenges are not to be avoided or dismissed, but rather embraced as part of the Christian's spiritual journey.

In the context of Arndt's broader theological framework, this quote reflects the Lutheran emphasis on the tension between the "kingdom of the world" and the "kingdom of God." Arndt's teachings echo Luther's theology of the two kingdoms, which distinguishes between the realm of secular authority and the realm of divine sovereignty. For Arndt, the contrast between the natural man's pursuit of worldly pleasures and the true Christian's commitment to spiritual values resonates with this dualistic understanding of the human experience.

Moreover, Arndt's perspective on the nature of worldly pleasures aligns with the broader tradition of Christian asceticism, which emphasizes the renunciation of worldly desires in favor of spiritual discipline and devotion. Arndt's writings often reflect an ascetic ethos, advocating for a rigorous and disciplined approach to the Christian life that eschews excessive attachment to worldly comforts and pleasures.

In conclusion, Johann Arndt's quote encapsulates a profound theological insight into the Christian understanding of worldly pleasures and their spiritual significance. By framing the pursuit of worldly pleasure as a source of temptation and spiritual peril, Arndt challenges the natural inclinations of the unregenerate individual and calls for a radical reorientation towards the pursuit of virtue and faith. The quote serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing moral and spiritual struggle that defines the Christian life, urging believers to remain vigilant in the face of worldly allurements and to cultivate the virtues that lead to spiritual fulfillment.