Last summer I had the joy of sitting in a class at the Montrose Christian Writers Conference taught by James Watkins.
I immediately sensed him as a man who deeply loves the Lord and desires to live for Him.
This month I’ve been enjoying a new book compiled and edited by Watkins called The Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today’s Language by Thomas à Kempis. For five hundred years à Kempis’ devotional classic has brought wisdom and comfort to millions of readers in over fifty languages—second only to the Bible in sales!
Watkins’ new paraphrased version has “modern and inclusive language that remains faithful to the original message,” making it easier to read and contemplate à Kempis’ profound insights on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
The book is set up in a clear readable format arranged by topic. True to the original, at times it is written from the perspective of the Disciple and at other times as if Christ was speaking directly to us.
The meditations of à Kempis invite deep contemplative thinking and insight. Perhaps that’s why this book has been changing lives for centuries. I’m finding my love for the Lord deepening in the process of reading just a few pages each day.
Here’s a sampling from p. 62-63, On Wisdom In Action:
The Disciple
“You must not trust every word of others or feelings within yourselves, but cautiously and patiently ask if the matter is godly. Unhappily, we are so weak that we find it easier to believe and speak evil of others, rather than their good. But Christ-like people do not pay attention to every bit of news, because they know that in human weakness they are prone to evil and untruthful words.
This is great wisdom for us: do not to be hasty in our actions or stubborn in our own opinions. A part of this wisdom also is not to believe every word we hear, nor to tell others all that we hear, nor even though we believe it. Take advice from a person who is wise and has a good conscience. Let us seek to learn from one wiser than ourselves rather than follow our own imaginations. A good life makes us wise toward God and gives us experience in many things. The more humble we are and the more obedient we are toward God, the wiser we will be in all things, and the more our souls will be at peace.”
I believe this book can help any serious Christ follower appreciate our Lord, grow closer to Him, and take greater joy in His presence.
Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton
“The modern scientist has lost God amid the wonders of His world; we Christians are in real danger of losing God amid the wonders of His word.” – A. W. Tozer: The Pursuit of God, Chapter 1-Following Hard After God.
Love this quote! Thanks for sharing, Fred.
Thanks for sharing this, Cheryl. I didn’t know Jim Watkins made this classic available for 21st century readers. The selection you chose is right where we live!
It is amazing that à Kempis’ work continues to speak to so many people. Today’s world needs more deep thinkers like him! Thanks Sarah.
This sounds like a book I really want to read. I have heard of Thomas a’ Kempis, but have avoided reading him, or other writers from that era, because I find the ancient English to be onerous to plow through. If the book reads like the passage you quoted, then I think I would learn much and enjoy reading it. Thanks for reviewing this book for us.
I agree – the modern English makes a big difference. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve never heard of à Kempis and his work but now I’ll have to get it! Thanks for sharing this, Cheryl.
Whenever I would read quotes from some of the old “heroes” of the faith like à Kempis or A.W. Tozer, I admired their passion for Christ. They seemed to have something that I felt I didn’t have. I asked – do I know about Christ, or do I really know Christ? Writings like this encourage a closer deeper relationship with our Lord – that’s one reason I enjoy them. Hope you do too! BTW – I discovered and bought this book at my local Walmart.