Manuscript of Imitation Of Christ.
Thomas Kempis has a lot to say about feelings and thoughts in his book, “Imitation of Christ.” I remember when I was a young Christian, I would get so discouraged by my thoughts. They did make me feel bad about myself. It is nice to know our thoughts are no surprise to God and he accepts us as we are, thoughts, feelings and all other things.
I wish I had learned when I was young what to do with bad thoughts and feelings, but the first I heard about the topic was from Joyce Meyer, who told me what to do about them: Quote Scripture out loud. Or tell Satan to go away. We can do that, Joyce says, because Jesus did and he is our example. Kempis also writes a lot about not finding our comfort from fellow humans – that God is enough.
From the book,”Imitation of Christ”,
by Thomas a Kempis.
IT IS GOOD that we sometimes have
troubles and crosses; for they often make a man enter into himself, and
consider that he is here in banishment, and ought not to place his trust in any
worldly thing…
It is good that we be sometimes
contradicted; and that men think ill or inadequately of us, even though we do
and intend well. These things help often to the attaining of humility, and
defend us from vain glory: for then we chiefly seek God for our inward witness,
when outwardly we are condemned by men, and when there is no credit given unto
us.
Therefore, a man should rest himself
so fully in God, that he need not to seek many comforts of men. When a good man
is afflicted, tempted, or troubled with evil thoughts, then he understands
better the great need he hath of God, without whom he sees he can do nothing
that is good. Then, also, he sorrows, laments, and prays, by reason of the
miseries he suffers. Then also he understands that perfect security and full
peace can not be had in this world.
That good and sweet affection which
thou sometimes feel, is the effect of grace present, and a sort of foretaste of
thy heavenly home; but on this you must not lean too much, for it comes and
goes.
But to strive against evil motions of
the mind which arise, and to reject with scorn the suggestions of the devil, is
a notable sign of virtue, and shall have great reward.
Let no strange fancies therefore
trouble you, which on any subject whatever may crowd into thy mind. Keep to your
purpose, with courage, and an upright intention toward God. Neither is it an illusion
that sometimes thou art suddenly rapt on high, and presently return again unto
the accustomed vanities of thy heart.
Know that the ancient enemy
doth strive by all means to hinder your longing for good, and to keep you clear
of all devout exercises... Many evil thoughts he suggests to you, that so he
may cause a weariness and horror in you, to draw you away from prayer and holy
communion.
Blame him when he suggests evil and
unclean thoughts unto you; say to him, “Away, you unclean spirit! ” “Depart
from me you wicked deceiver! you shall have no part in me: but Jesus shall be
with me as a valiant Warrior, and you shalt stand confounded. “
‘The Lord is my Light and my
Salvation, whom shall I fear?’ "If whole armies should stand together
against me, my heart shall not fear. The Lord is my Helper and my Redeemer.”
