Week 21 : Imitate Christ, Christian Mens Breakfast

Week 21 Discussion Notes:¹

1. Section 67 of THE LITTLE KEMPIS contains this advice, “You can’t love God perfectly if you don’t forsake the comforts the world offers to you, for the sake of God.” But don’t many of us devote our lives to seeking the comforts this world offers? (Day 141)
2. Kempis expressed in Chapter 10 that he does not consider his renunciation of worldly comforts to be a burden or sacrifice. Rather, in referring to God, he writes, “It is a great honor, a great glory to serve You and to despise all things for [God’s] sake.” Does Kempis’ point of view here have any validity outside a monastery? (Day 142)
3. Kempis tells us in Section 211 of THE LITTLE KEMPIS, “Foolish and thoughtless people seek temporary pleasures. They give these pleasures great importance, although they cannot satisfy the soul, nor grant tranquility.” Is it true that temporary pleasure can’t bring tranquility (peace)? (Day 144)
4. In MOMENTS WITH THE CONSOLING CHRIST, Kempis wrote, “BEHOLD, eating, drinking, clothing, and other necessaries pertaining to the support of the body, are burdensome to a fervent spirit. GRANT that I may use such things with moderation, and not be entangled with any inordinate affection.” As usual, we could question whether, Kempis is too extreme with his assertion. But, in general, popular culture and modern advertising urge us toward excess. Do you find yourself wanting more of what the world claims we need?

The Christian Mens Breakfast group meets this Saturday and (almost) every other Saturday at a local restaurant in Davie, FL. Call Tom Truex, or use the CONTACT tab at K-Line.ORG to get more information.

Our discussion will focus on the Chapters listed below, from The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis.²

All items listed below are online at ImitateChrist.ORG:

1. Book 3 , Chapter 10 : To Despise the World and Serve God is Sweet (May 22, 2012)
2. Book 3 , Chapter 11 : The Longings of our Hearts Must Be Examined And Moderated (May 25, 2012)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

1. Challoner’s Reflections³ on The Imitation of Christ for each of the above chapters.

Footnotes: