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The Imitation of Christ
Thomas à Kempis
The Fourteenth Chapter
AVOIDING RASH JUDGMENT
TURN your attention upon yourself and beware of judging the deeds of other men,
for in judging others a man labors vainly, often makes mistakes, and easily
sins; whereas, in judging and taking stock of himself he does something that is
always profitable.
We frequently judge that things are as we wish them to be, for through personal
feeling true perspective is easily lost.
If God were the sole object of our desire, we should not be disturbed so easily
by opposition to our opinions. But often something lurks within or happens from
without to draw us along with it.
Many, unawares, seek themselves in the things they do. They seem even to enjoy
peace of mind when things happen according to their wish and liking, but if
otherwise than they desire, they are soon disturbed and saddened. Differences of
feeling and opinion often divide friends and acquaintances, even those who are
religious and devout.
An old habit is hard to break, and no one is willing to be led farther than he
can see.
If you rely more upon your intelligence or industry than upon the virtue of
submission to Jesus Christ, you will hardly, and in any case slowly, become an
enlightened man. God wants us to be completely subject to Him and, through
ardent love, to rise above all human wisdom.
