From The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471)
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Do not trust in your present feeling, for it will be quickly changed into another. As long as you live you will be subject to such change in your emotions, even against your will. You will become merry at one time and sad at another; now peaceful, but then disturbed; at one moment devout and the next vulgar; sometimes diligent while at other times lazy; now grave and then light-hearted. But the man who is wise and well-instructed in the Spirit stands above these changes. He pays no attention to what he feels in himself, or which way the wind of fickleness blows. Rather, the whole intention of his mind is to make progress to his proper and desired end. Thus, he will be able to stand undivided, unchanged, and unshaken, with his firm intention directed unwaveringly toward Christ, even in the midst of so many changing events and feelings. And the purer this intention is, so much more the strength and stability he has to pass through many storms.
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Trust firmly in the Lord, and do not fear the judgment of men when conscience tells you that you are upright and innocent. For it is good and blessed to suffer such things, and they will not weigh heavily on the humble heart that trusts in God rather than in itself. Many men say many different things, and therefore little confidence is to be put in them. Moreover, it is impossible to satisfy all men. Although Paul tried to please all in the Lord, and became all things to all men (I Cor. 9:22), yet he made little of their opinions (I Cor. 4:3); and he committed all to God who knows all things. Who are you, then, that you should be afraid of mortal man (Isaiah 51:12)? Today he is here, tomorrow he is gone. Fear God and you will not be afraid of the terrors of men. What power does anyone over you by words or injuries? He hurts himself rather than you, and no matter who he may be, he cannot escape the judgment of God. Therefore, if you suffer undeserved abuse or shame, do not grieve or become impatient. Look instead to heaven, to the One who has power to deliver you from all disgrace and injury.
I Corinthians 4:3-5 — I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
Psalm 119:71 — It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.
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