Imitation of Christ: 1. 14, Avoiding Rash Judgment [Devotional]

WorkofGod.org ^ | 1441 | Thomas a Kempis

[Salvation]

Avoiding Rash Judgment
TURN your attention upon yourself and beware of judging the deeds of other men, for in judging others a man labors vainly, often makes mistakes, and easily sins; whereas, in judging and taking stock of himself he does something that is always profitable. We frequently judge that things are as we wish them to be, for through personal feeling true perspective is easily lost. If God were the sole object of our desire, we should not be disturbed so easily by opposition to our opinions. But often something lurks within or happens from without to draw us along with it. Many, unawares, seek themselves in the things they do. They seem even to enjoy peace of mind when things happen according to their wish and liking, but if otherwise than they desire, they are soon disturbed and saddened. Differences of feeling and opinion often divide friends and acquaintances, even those who are religious and devout. An old habit is hard to break, and no one is willing to be led farther than he can see. If you rely more upon your intelligence or industry than upon the virtue of submission to Jesus Christ, you will hardly, and in any case slowly, become an enlightened man. God wants us to be completely subject to Him and, through ardent love, to rise above all human wisdom.

[Salvation]

For your thoughtful and prayerful meditation and response.

[Salvation]

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[Salvation]

The Religion Moderator gave me permission to copy the rules from the Chambers' thread (with a few alterations) which I think are applicable. Thank you to the RM!

Come to these threads as you are; leave with what you have discovered.

Absolutely no flaming! These daily threads are intended to be devotional in nature. If a particular day's offering says nothing to you, please just go on and wait for the next day. Consider these threads a DMZ of sorts, a place where a perpetual truce is in effect and a place where all other arguments and disagreements from other times and places are left behind.

I can attest from personal experience (Salvation's)  that reading from Imitation of Christ daily will almost certainly change - not one's faith - but one's perspective of his/her own faith, and open up new vistas in your spiritual life. If - when - this happens to a reader of these threads, and they choose to share what has happened within them - we are treading on hallowed ground. Be respectful.

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Come to these threads as you are; leave with what you have discovered.

[Salvation]

 

 

THE IMITATION OF CHRIST

BY

THOMAS KEMPIS

A very powerful spiritual guidance for the soul who seeks to imitate Jesus Christ. 

Learn from me, because I am meek and humble of heart. Mat. 11:29

[Salvation]

**TURN your attention upon yourself and beware of judging the deeds of other men, for in judging others a man labors vainly, often makes mistakes, and easily sins; whereas, in judging and taking stock of himself he does something that is always profitable.**

There go half of my posting on FR! LOL!

[ConorMacNessa]

Thanks for the Daily meditation, Salvation.

[Jaded]

Thanks.

[Salvation]

It’s my pleasure. And give credit to the Lord who inspired aKempis in the first place.

Got to thinking about my post there. (Losing over half my posts on FR.)

There comes a time when and where the facts must be presented to non-believer, for example, about the Immaculate Conception or about the Stations of the Cross. When we present these facts I don’t think we are in rash judgment over other people — I just think we are presenting the truth in the name of education and evangelization.

Any thoughts?? Anyone??

[ConorMacNessa]

I believe we are required to bear witness to the truths we believe as Christians.

[Salvation]

Imitation of Christ -- Foreword [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ, 1,1 - Imitating Jesus Christ and Despising All Vanities on Earth [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1,2, Having A Humble Opinion of Self [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 3, The Doctrine of Truth [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 4, Prudence in Action [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ, 1, 5, Reading the Holy Scripture [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 6, Unbridled Affections [Devotional]

Imitation of Christ: 1, 7, Avoiding False Hope and Pride [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 8, Shunning Over- Familiarity [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 9, Obedience and Subjection [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 10, Avoiding Idle Talk [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 11, Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Perfection [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1, 12, The Value of Adversity [Devotional]

Imitation of Christ: 1, 13, Resisting Temptation [Devotional]
Imitation of Christ: 1. 14, Avoiding Rash Judgment [Devotional]

[Salvation]

**If you rely more upon your intelligence or industry than upon the virtue of submission to Jesus Christ, you will hardly, and in any case slowly, become an enlightened man.

God wants us to be completely subject to Him and, through ardent love, to rise above all human wisdom.**

Is this "Let go of things and Listen to God" attitude one that doesn't make it through to the secular world? They want to solve everything themselves, but can't and then slowly sink into a depression? Is this what is happening out there?

[Pinkbell]

While I agree with this, I also think it is crucial to spread the faith and point out if you see others taking actions in their lives that lead them away from God. Obviously, God will judge them someday, but we do have a right to spread the faith and differentiate right from wrong.