# Of fleeing from vain hope and pride explained — The Imitation of Christ

> Chapter companion for The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis.

## What happens

This chapter warns against placing trust in human beings, material possessions, or personal abilities, and instead urges the reader to place all hope in God. It emphasizes humility, service to others for the love of Christ, and the danger of pride, which leads to envy and wrath, while humility brings peace.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humility and Self-Denial

The chapter is a direct exhortation to reject pride and embrace humility, counting oneself below others and trusting only in God.

### Contempt for the World

The chapter warns against trusting in men, riches, friends, strength, or learning, all of which are vain and fleeting.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Mentioned as the reason for serving others and as the source of love.

### God the Father

Referred to as the one to build hope in, who gives grace to the humble, and from whom every good gift comes.

### The Disciple

The voice addressing the reader, urging humility and trust in God.

## Key lines

> Vain is the life of that man who putteth his trust in men or in any created thing.

A person who relies on other people or anything in the created world is living a pointless life.

_This sets the theme of the chapter: the futility of worldly trust._

> Be not ashamed to be the servant of others for the love of Jesus Christ, and to be reckoned poor in this life.

Do not feel embarrassed to serve others out of love for Christ or to be considered poor in this world.

_Encourages humble service and acceptance of poverty for spiritual reasons._

> Peace is ever with the humble man, but in the heart of the proud there is envy and continual wrath.

A humble person always has peace, while a proud person is constantly filled with envy and anger.

_Contrasts the inner state of the humble versus the proud._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters