Douglas continues his series on The Imitation of Christ, today looking at Selfish Love.
For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.
Scripture: Ecc 2:11; 1 John 2:17; Ps 51:12; Eph 3:16; Eph 4:14. (Also Wis 9:4)
Key phrases:
* "In captivity": True freedom is found in Christ, not the world.
* "How strange": The world (and worldly Christians) think it strange when one lives wholeheartedly for God (1 Pet 4:4). Yet Christ finds it "strange" that we do not live this way.
* "Unnecessary cares": So many of our burdens and pains are self-inflicted. Multiplying money, land, houses, works of art, travel, collections of stamps or coins -- or anything else without God in mind -- leads us to a state of being "never at peace or free from care.":
* Worthlessness of money": What is highly valued among people is often detestable in the sight of God (Luke 16:15). How much of our income goes to supporting a higher standard of living than necessary? (Has this placed us in debt? -- one indicator that we are overextending.)
* "Fickle praise": The praise and honor sought by men and women is often not the praise we should be seeking -- from the one who will say to us, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
* True foundation": To avoid drifting spiritually, taken away from Christ by the ground shifting under out feet, we must live in him.
Next: "On How to Hear the Words of God" (Book 3, Chapter 3), with excerpts from "On the Inward Voice of Christ" (Book 3, Chapter 1) and "On Truth Without the Noise of Words" (Book 3, Chapter 2).