Thomas a Kempis: the need to begin

Friday, November 18, 2016
Meditation:
    So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
    —John 8:31-32 (ESV)
Quotation:
    If we would put some slight stress on ourselves at the beginning, then afterwards we should be able to do all things with ease and joy.
    It is a hard thing to break through habit, and a yet harder thing to go contrary to our own will. Yet, if thou overcome not slight and easy obstacles, how shalt thou overcome greater ones? Withstand thy will at the beginning, and unlearn an evil habit, lest it lead thee little by little into worse difficulties. Oh, if thou knewest what peace to thyself thy holy life should bring, and what joy to others, methinketh thou wouldst be more zealous for spiritual profit.
    ... Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471), Of the Imitation of Christ [1418], Leipzig: Bernhard Tauchnitz, 1877, I.xi.5, p. 45-46 (see the book)
    See also John 8:31-32; 1 Sam. 12:14; Matt. 24:12-13; John 15:4-8; Rom. 2:7; 1 Thess. 3:12-13
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, I prefer my own luxury to Your call. Make me see the Your truth that I might have freedom from my own evil will. CQOD    Blog    email    RSS
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