If you desire progress, keep yourself in the fear of God, rather than being excessively free. With self-discipline, restrain all your senses; do not senselessly give yourself to frivolous pleasures. Give yourself to contrition of heart and you will find devotion. Contrition opens up many good things, which moral corruption will quickly lose. It is strange that anyone can rejoice whole-heartedly in this life who seriously thinks about his exile and all the dangers to his soul.
In our light-hearted way, we pay no attention to our own shortcomings and are not bothered by them. How often we laugh when we have good cause to weep! There is no true freedom or good conscience apart from the fear of God. It will work out well for the one who can throw off obstacles and distractions, and wholeheartedly apply himself to holy contrition. It will work out well for the one who disowns from himself anything that may stain his soul or burden his conscience. Strive manfully; habit is overcome by habit. If you know how to leave others alone, they will gladly leave you alone to do as you wish.
Do not meddle with the affairs of others, or entangle yourself with the business of the great. Keep an eye on your own affairs first, and give advice to yourself before you give advice to your friends. If you do not have a good reputation among people, don't let that bother you; let your concern be that you were seeking more reputation than is fitting for a servant of God who is devoted to the faith. It is generally more useful and safer for a man not to have many comforts in this life, especially comforts of the flesh. We lack divine comforts -- or feel them rarely -- through our own fault, because we do not seek contrition of our heart, and do not let go of the comforts that are worthless and worldly.
Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.21 (first part, it's a long chapter to translate in one sitting).
Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art
"In our light-hearted way, we pay no attention to our own shortcomings and are not bothered by them."
ReplyDeleteThat's human nature. He was a keen observer, or skilled at self-examination.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement!
Take care & God bless
Anne / WF