You should love all people, but don’t share your heart with just anyone. Rather, open up to someone who is wise and godly. Don’t try to better yourself by making friends with important people, rather make friends with the humble and devout. And edify others when you speak.
Guard yourself against improper romantic entanglements. Instead, direct everyone to God. He is your primary friend.
Avoid any attempt to exalt yourself before others. Others are often not what they seem, nor are we. Thus it is unwise to try to impress others.
“make friends with the humble and devout”
We might hear that someone is wonderful and think that we should endear ourselves to them. But when we meet them we realize they lack much virtue. On the other hand, we might think others will be impressed by our virtues but they are disappointed when they meet us. Hence, self promotion is an empty game.
Be humble and dwell with the humble. “Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10)
Today’s post is an interpretation of a chapter of the most popular devotional book in the history of Christianity, The Imitation of Christ. It was written by a monk (or possibly several monks) in the 15th century named Thomas a Kempis. You can view all the posts in this series by selecting “Imitation of Christ” in the categories listing.
