Do Not Be Concerned About Outward Things
Thomas a Kempis teaches that it is more profitable to focus on our relationship with God and ignore outward things that distract us from our spiritual well-being.
Thomas a Kempis preaches about the importance of focusing on eternal matters and turning away from worldly distractions. He emphasizes the need to consider oneself dead to the world and to prioritize peace and spiritual well-being over quarrelsome discussions. Kempis highlights the tendency of humans to fret over temporal losses while neglecting the salvation of their souls, urging a withdrawal from excessive focus on outward things to avoid being immersed in superficial concerns.
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THE VOICE OF CHRIST
MY CHILD, there are many matters of which it is well for you to be ignorant, and to consider yourself as one who is dead upon the earth and to whom the whole world is crucified. There are many things, too, which it is well to pass by with a deaf ear, thinking, instead, of what is more to your peace. It is more profitable to turn away from things which displease you and to leave to every man his own opinion than to take part in quarrelsome talk. If you stand well with God and look to His judgment, you will more easily bear being worsted.
THE DISCIPLE
To what have we come, Lord? Behold, we bewail a temporal loss. We labor and fret for a small gain, while loss of the soul is forgotten and scarcely ever returns to mind. That which is of little or no value claims our attention, whereas that which is of highest necessity is neglected -- all because man gives himself wholly to outward things. And unless he withdraws himself quickly, he willingly lies immersed in externals.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Ignoring Outward Things
- The Dangers of Engaging in Quarrelsome Talk
- The Consequences of Prioritizing Outward Things
- We labor and fret for small gains
- We neglect the loss of the soul
- Man gives himself wholly to externals
Key Quotes
“There are many matters of which it is well for you to be ignorant, and to consider yourself as one who is dead upon the earth and to whom the whole world is crucified.” — Thomas a Kempis
“Unless he withdraws himself quickly, he willingly lies immersed in externals.” — Thomas a Kempis
Application Points
- Prioritize your relationship with God above all else.
- Turn away from quarrelsome talk and focus on your spiritual well-being.
- Withdraw yourself quickly from worldly distractions to avoid getting caught up in externals.