THE IMITATION OF CHRIST

Last night while reading THE IMITATION OF CHRIST by Thomas À Kempis, the fourteenth chapter of Book one, strongly spoke to me, and I wanted to share it here.

Avoiding Rash Judgment

TURN your attention upon yourself and beware of judging the deeds of other men, for in judging others a man labors vainly, often makes mistakes, and easily sins; whereas, in judging and taking stock of himself he does something that is always profitable.

We frequently judge that things are as we wish them to be, for through personal feeling true perspective is easily lost.

If God were the sole object of our desire, we should not be disturbed so easily by opposition to our opinions. But often something lurks within or happens from without to draw us along with it.

Many, unawares, seek themselves in the things they do. They seem even to enjoy peace of mind when things happen according to their wish and liking, but if otherwise than they desire, they are soon disturbed and saddened. Differences of feeling and opinion often divide friends and acquaintances, even those who are religious and devout.

An old habit is hard to break, and no one is willing to be led farther than he can see.

If you rely more upon your intelligence or industry than upon the virtue of submission to Jesus Christ, you will hardly, and in any case slowly, become an enlightened man. God wants us to be s0 completely subject to Him and, through ardent love, to rise above all human wisdom.

Comments

[James]

The Imitation of Christ is a good tool for contemplation. I am finding more and more that the early writings of the church fathers (say 1st through 3rd centuries) also have much to say to us today. It is amazing that things written so many centuries ago speak to things that we as Christians still face in the 21st century. Though so many think so much has changed, so much still remains the same.

[stephen]

I hope the fact that this post struck me as so true, and furthered a hunger in me that I be this way, is indication of the fact that I am learning this lesson.

I hope.

[Lorna]

Brilliant stuff :)

[Joel]

I thought I was the only one who read The Imatation of Christ. It's good to find, in one place, not one but two Thomas à Kempis people.

[Anthony Barnhart]

I, too, am a fan of Thomas a' Kempis. His words move me nearly every time I read them. I remember this chapter very well. Everyone should read Thomas a' Kempis :)