It is good that everything is not always to our liking; for adversity makes a man look into his heart in order to realize that he is an exile and must not put his hopes in any worldly thing.
It is good for us to run into opposition and to have others think badly of us, even when our intentions are good. For these things help us to be humble and rid us of pride. Then we seek God more earnestly, who alone knows our inmost self, when outwardly we are ignored and discredited by men.
2. Therefore, a man should rely so entirely on God that he has no need to look for human consolation when adversity comes. When a man of good disposition is afflicted or tempted, or distracted by evil thoughts, then he understands the need he has for God and that without Him he can do nothing.
Then too he grieves, while he sighs and prays because of the miseries he endures. He grows weary of this life and longs for death in order to be with Christ, his Lord. It will also be clear to hi that there is neither perfect peace nor security in this world.
THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
Thomas a Kempis
From Book 1: ADMONITIONS FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE
Chapter 12
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