BENEATH…

From Chapter 1 of The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A Kempis
A Reflection

Indeed it is not learning that makes a man holy and just,
but a virtuous life makes him pleasing to God.

In our congregations today, “Jesus Rules” is a phrase that is often heard and said especially among the young people. I often say it too and include it in my text messages to Christian friends. However, as I look at how I live my life each day, I realize He doesn’t really rule most of the time.

Thomas, in this chapter, mentions about the imitation of Christ as the ultimate goal in our life. But as we live our lives here on earth, a lot of things attract our attention, things that can become primary than the pursuit of holiness that God intends for us. I have often seen myself follow after the desires of the flesh. In all its forms, I have realized that the temptation is real and it is so great that the “self” can easily give in. Thomas mentioned of honor, lusts of the body, the desire of things, long life, well-spent life, the present, and the things that pass quickly as the things that we will most likely pursue; instead of being like Christ. I reflect on how I easily make these things first in how I react with other people, and how I make my choices. I believe that what God has to offer is always wonderful, yet it is a fact that I do choose other things instead of Him; because following Him is the hard way, the uncomfortable, and the unusual. Following Him doesn’t highlight my self and what I want so it is then much easier to just learn about it, talk about it and just debate on it, than to actually preach it through the way I live. But Christ’s selfless love to God and to man is the ultimate goal, than just to talk about the doctrines. Compassion, that is.

I pray that God would always remind me and silence me every time I want to talk on my faith more than living it out. I pray that He will put a hunger in my heart to seek His ways and to know more of Him so I could live it out loud.

Try, moreover, to turn your heart from the love of things visible
and bring yourself to things invisible.
For they who follow their own evil passions stain their consciences
and lose the grace of God.