Imitation of Christ – Chapter Six. Harmful Desires. When someone has exorbitant love for something other than God or people it makes them restless. Harmful desires and attachments make someone weak when temptation comes. This carnal person has not died to self and their harmful desires and attachments. Their spirit is weak and they keep looking for worldly pleasure.
When they deprive themself of the objects of their harmful desires they become sad and irritable. And when they give in to these unhealthy affections they feel guilty. They also realize they aren’t truly satisfied and didn’t find peace.
These harmful desires and attachments keep one from becoming like Christ. Many believers don’t grow because they have so much love for things or themselves. Some of these are fine in moderation, but their hearts are so attached that they prevent them from fully loving God. They wonder why they don’t feel closer to God, but they ignore anything they hear about giving up their attachments. It’s like holding a tiger on a leash and wondering why you keep getting jerked around in different directions.
One who has let go of their harmful desires finds peace and rest. True peace is found by overcoming our excess affections, not by giving in to them. Inner harmony is found in great affection toward God and walking in the Spirit. Love and commitment to Christ keep one abiding in Christ, which produces lasting fruit. This is what produces fulfillment and joy in a person.
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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 on the right pane of this page.
