Possible by grace, impossible by nature

The longer I live, the more I understand my need for the following prayer by Thomas a Kempis

“Oh Lord Jesus, make possible to me by grace what is impossible to me by nature.” Book3:19 Imitation of Christ

Whatever you will

With fear and trembling, I offer this prayer from a Kempis.

“Give me what You will, as much as You will, and when You will. Do with me as You know best to be done, as it shall please You, and as it shall be most to Your honor. Put me where You will, and freely do with me in all things according to Your will. I am Your creature, and in Your hands; lead me and turn me where You will. Lo, I am Your servant, ready to do all things that You command, for I do not desire to live to myself, but to You. Would to God that I might live worthily and profitably, and to Your honor. ” Book 3:15

Considered foolish for the love of God

Put this up as a page last week by mistake and am now re-posting.

Continuing to read in a Kempis’ Imitation of Christ and was struck by the following words all from Book1:17.

If you would stand surely in grace, and profit much in virtue, consider yourself as an exile and a pilgrim here in this life, and be glad, for the love of God, to be considered in the world as a foolish and an unworthy person, as you are.

Living in a foreign country, it is not too hard to understand the first part of this quote but the latter part of this sentence I find quite a challenge. I would much rather be considered intelligent, competent, valuable and significant but for the love of God, can I give that up? That is where I am just now and I guess I have been fighting it.

A Kempis goes on to talk about those in religious communities, or what I would call those of us who might be considered spiritual leaders.

He who seeks any other thing in religion than God alone and the salvation of his soul will find nothing there but trouble and sorrow; he will not remain there long in peace and quiet who does not labor to be the least and subject to all.

Ouch! This message keeps getting repeated over and over these past months. Finally, a Kempis concludes this chapter. When he talks about religion but in my context, I would not say religion (too often perceived as man’s attempt to reach out to God) but spiritual service in the body of Christ.

It is good, therefore to remember often that you came to religion to serve and not to be served, and that you are called in religion to suffer and to labor, and not to tell vain tales. . . no person in religion can remain long in grace and virtue unless he will humble himself with all his heart for the love of God.