Unity of Self, Interior Simplicity, and God's Understanding: Bk 1, Ch 3, par 3.

How do you become a better version of yourself?  Ask Thomas a'Kempis.  Becoming a better version of our self  is a confrontation with the Truth.  As an Imitator of Christ, the more you look in the mirror, the more you should see Jesus (okay, for gals, think Mary in since Scripture tells us that Mary was full of the Holy Spirit).

Thomas' advice to us today comes from the next section of Bk 1, Ch 3 at paragraph 3. I purposefully bolded the whole quote this time since all of the below is so true and such a complete thought of the struggle and the main obstacle of our life and our pursuit of being Imitators of Christ......that person in the mirror.   Read and pray through this several times.  And then do some Winnie the Pooh theology: "Think, Think, Think".

"3.  The more a person is united within, and is  simple within the interior life, the more and higher things become understood without labor; because the  light of understanding is received from above.

 A pure, simple  and steady spirit is not dissipated by a multitude of activities, because these are performed to the honor of God.  Endeavor to be at rest within yourself and free from all self-seeking.

What is a greater hindrance and to you than thine own unmortified affection of the heart?

A good and devout disciple first finishes works inwardly which used to be done outwardly.

Neither do these affections draw one to the desires of an inordinate inclination, but are bent to the rule of right reason.  Who has a stronger conflict than one who strives to overcome himself?

  

And this must be our business, to strive to overcome ourselves, and daily to gain strength over ourselves, and to grow better and better."

I'll return to this later, since there's so much here, so tune in!

Thank you for reading and praying along with me. 'Til next time, be Imitators of Christ!


tim