Bob Dylan and Thomas A' Kempis say: "you're gonna have to serve somebody."

Book 1, Chapter 9:  On Obedience and Subjection

First, a little music to set the tone for this post, from Bob Dylan's "Slow Train Comin'" -Gonna have to serve somebody

Here, it's a pretty good guess that Thomas has a model in mind for us, in Christ's subjection and obedience.  The Creator of the universe humbles Himself to take on not just the form of a man, but of a helpless child, and later a boy.  This boy learned a trade, washed dishes, helped garden and feed the animals, etc.  Subjection here is a cooperation with and humble obedience to an authority even though not necessarily one "superior" to you.  And Thomas describes this sense below.


Jesus Willingly Subjected Himself
to Joseph and Mary

 1. It is a very great thing to be under obedience(1) to live under a superior and not be at our own disposal.  It is much more secure to be in a state of subjection than in authority.  Many are under obedience more out of necessity than for the love of God; and such as these are in pain and grumble easily.  Nor will they gain freedom of mind unless they submit themselves with their whole heart for God's sake.  Running here or there, you will find no rest, but in an humble subjection under the government of a superior.

Now Thomas takes us to an examination of our favorite opinions...our own.  He's counseling us to keep our thoughts to ourselves (once in awhile at least to begin with, for those of us, including me, who think we have a corner on the insightful comments!) .  If we listen more, perhaps we will hear God more!

Opinions & Belly Buttons

2.  It is true that everyone desires to act according to his own liking; and is more inclined to his own opinions of his own mind.  But if God is among us, we must sometimes give up our own opinions for the sake of peace.  Who is so wise as to be able to know all things?  Therefore, do not trust your own thoughts too much, but be willing to hear the sentiments of others.  Although your opinion may be good, yet for God's sake leave it to follow that of another and it will be more profitable to you.



Capturing a Swarm of Bees

 As a beekeeper, bees will teach you humility quickly.  And beekeepers learn this very fast.  We often share stories of our humiliation at the "hands" of these little creatures.  Listening to a seasoned beekeeper is well worth the subjection of our own opinion, even though all of us beekeepers think we know all about bees.
   Recently, having read all about swarms, I tried to capture one on my own.  I knew how to do it, even had opinions on the best way to approach the swarm.  But I was smart enough (and scared enough!) to call my friend Dave, for help.  And thank goodness I did!  Dave had the bees in a box in no time.  I learned a lot that day that added to my opinion and knowledge. Sacrificing a bit of humility along the way helped get the bees into the box.  Thanks, Dave! 


Yield!

 3.  For I have often heard that it is safer to listen to and take counsel than to give it.  It may also happen that each one's thoughts may be good; but to refuse to yield to others when reason or a just cause requires it, is a sign of your pride and willfulness.

Final comment:  as Bob Dylan says, "you're gonna have to serve somebody."
  You might as well bring it to the Lord and find the joy during the service and in the obedience.

Thanks for praying along with me.
Til next time, be imitators of Christ!

1. "He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart." Luke 2:51

Pride vs Humility: From Cain to Aslan to Samson to Mary

Chapter 7. Of fleeing from vain hope and pride.

Thomas offers us a simple warning and a promise:  if we put our faith in anyone or anything other than The Lord, we face futility.  However, God will honor our efforts and intentions if the rationale for these are in accord with His Will.

Cain & Abel

Life is vain for the one who puts trust in the children of Adam or in any created thing (Jer 17:5, Ps 146:2-4).  Do not be ashamed to be the servant of others for the love of Jesus Christ, and to be reckoned poor in this life. (2 Cor 4:5)

Build your refuge in God (Ps 73:28), not upon your own capabilities. Do what is within your power, and God will help your good intent.
Trust in the favour of God, who resists the proud and gives grace to the humble, and do not trust in your learning, nor in the cleverness of others.

Next, Thomas cautions us to build our relationship with God.  He does not say that we should not have wealth or powerful friends, but rather to keep these in perspective: put God first as only He can break the Stone Table.

Aslan & The Stone Table

 It is easy to think our selves as not needing Him when we are in the flower of youth and health.  But this talent is from God Himself.  Think of Samson here.

2. If you have wealth, take no glory in your riches.  If you have powerful friends, do not rely upon that relationship, but in your relationship with God, who gives all things, and in addition to all things, He desires to give even Himself. (1 Cor 1:31).



Sampson & Delilah

 Boasting because of your strength or beauty of body is futile since it takes only a slight sickness for it to fail and wither away. Pride in your skilfulness or ability for fear that it will displease God, from Whom emanates every good gift and talent which we have.

Thomas concludes this chapter with an admonition to stay humble in all of your efforts. With Mary as a model of humility, we can practice our humility and obtain peace and quiet strength.  This does not ever amount to being a punching bag.

3. Do not count yourself better than others, since you will then be accounted worse in the sight of God, who knows what is in a man's heart.


Be humble about your good works, for God's judgments are of another sort than the judgments of man, and what pleases others is ofttimes displeasing to Him (Is 55:6-9).

Mary's Fiat

If you have any good qualities, believe that others have more, and so you may preserve your humility. It is no harm to you if you place yourself below all others; but it is great harm if you place yourself above even one other person. Peace is ever with the humble, but in the heart of the proud there is envy and continual wrath.