As Christians we often re-invent the proverbial wheel. Many Christians have gone before us and left lessons - encouragements - and glimmers of truth that could greatly enhance our Christian journey if only we took the time to listen. One of these was a monk named Thomas a Kempis. This Catholic monk lived around the late thirteen hundreds. He wrote a devotional book entitled The Imitation of Christ which is more than worth reading. I am sharing this because his potent words come from a life lived fully devoted to Christ - they convict, encourage, and help shape us to be powerful Christians. Thomas a Kempis wrote:
"We are too much occupied with our own affections, and too anxious about transitory things. Seldom, too, do we entirely conquer even a single fault, nor are we zealous for daily growth in grace. And so we remain lukewarm and unspiritual.
3. Were we fully watchful of ourselves, and not bound in spirit to outward things, then might we be wise unto salvation, and make progress in Divine contemplation. Our great and grievous stumbling-block is that, not being freed from our affections and desires, we strive not to enter into the perfect way of the Saints. And when even a little trouble befalleth us, too quickly are we cast down, and fly to the world to give us comfort."
Seven hundred years after a Kempis penned these words, they still ring true. How easily we enslave ourselves to worldly things, falling into the belief that this world has something to offer us. In reality, we are only visitors on foreign soil - waiting for our true home.
These words convict me because I am too easily ensnared with fleshly desires. Rather than focusing on my path with Christ, I am distracted by a nice dress, new television show, or the newest celebrity gossip. Oh how vain and ephemeral this world truly is, if only we could see the Truth that is beckoning us.
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