This Tuesday we begin book 2 of the Imitation of Christ. Please read Chapters 1-4 of Book 2. Whereas book one’s purpose was to show us how to purge ourselves of those things that keep us from God, book two seeks to illuminate us about those things that bring us closer to God. Kempis introduces us to those heavenly virtues which allow us to develop an intimate knowledge and friendship with Christ. There is a difference between knowing about Christ, through Scripture or doctrine, and actually knowing him. Just as two lovers will come to a perfect knowledge of the other such that they can finish the other’s sentences and intuitively know what the other desires, so too should it be with our relationship with Christ.
The virtues of which The Imitation speaks come from the Beatitudes (Matt 5:3-10) (poor in spirit, mournful, desire for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, persecuted), the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control), the character of a Christian life (Phil. 4:8) (true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent, praiseworthy), and the Christian qualities (2 Peter 1:5-8) (virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, love). These characteristics are not additional rules and burdens that we are compelled to undertake, for as Paul says “against these things, there is no law”; rather these are desires and features of a transformed heart that actively seeks the kingdom of God which is within us all.
Dinner is at 6. The menu is Asian lettuce wraps. Discussion about 6:45. Bring a friend. Hope to see y’all here.
“The kingdom of God is within you,” says the Lord. (Luke 17:21) Turn to the Lord with you whole heart, let him be the most important part of your life, and your soul will find rest.
Book 2, Chapter 1