There are parts of The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas a Kempis, that read almost like a Social Media User’s Guide for 2020:
Section
1 chapter 3- “If men used as much care in uprooting vices and implanting
virtues as they do in discussing problems, where would not be so much evil and
scandal in the world, or such laxity in religious organizations.”
1-4- “Not
to act rashly or to cling obstinately to one’s opinion, not to believe
everything people say or to spread abroad the gossip on has heard, is great
wisdom.”
1-6- “A
proud and avaricious man never rests, whereas he who is poor and humble of
heart lives in a world of peace.”
1-9- “Everyone,
it is true, wishes to do as he pleases and is attracted to those who agree with
him. But if God be among us, we must at times give up our opinions for the
blessing of peace.”
1-11- “We
should enjoy much peace if we did not concern ourselves with what others say
and do, for these are no concern of ours. How can a man who meddles in affairs
not his own, who seeks strange distractions, and who is little or seldom
inwardly recollected, live long in peace?”
1-12- “It
is good for us sometimes to suffer contradiction, to be misjudged by men even
though we do well and mean well. These things help us to be humble and shield
us from vainglory. When to all outward appearances men give us no credit, when
they do not think well of us, then we are more inclined to seek God Who sees
our hearts.”
1-14- “Differences
of feeling and opinion often divide friends and acquaintances, even those who
are religious and devout.”
1-16- “Try
to bear patiently with the defects and infirmities of others, whatever they may
be, because you also have many a fault which others must endure.”
1-20- “If
you withdraw yourself from unnecessary talking and idle running about, from
listening to gossip and rumors, you will find enough time that is suitable for
holy meditation…
“No
man appears in safety before the public eye unless he first relishes obscurity.
No men is safe in speaking unless he loves to be silent. No man rules safely
unless he is willing to be ruled. No man commands safely unless he has learned
well how to obey.”
1-23- “If
you had a good conscience you would not fear death very much. It is better to
avoid sin than to fear death. If you are not prepared today, how will you be
prepared tomorrow? Tomorrow is an uncertain day; how do you know you will have
a tomorrow?”
2-7- “You
will quickly be deceived if you look only to the outward appearance of men, and
you will often be disappointed if you seek comfort and gain in them. If,
however, you seek Jesus in all things, you will surely find Him.”
2-11-
“Jesus has always many who love His heavenly kingdom, but few who bear His
cross… All desire to be happy with Him; few wish to suffer anything for Him.”
“When words are
many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips [and
fingers] is prudent” (Proverbs 10:19).
***
(Disclaimer- there are
other parts of the book that have serious theological issues, and therefore I
do not recommend it as devotional reading.)
© 2020 Dawn Rutan. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture are ESV and all images are copyright free from pixabay.com. The opinions stated do not necessarily reflect the views of my church or employer.
