# Of the Uses of Adversity explained — The Imitation of Christ

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

## What happens

This chapter reflects on the spiritual benefits of adversity, sorrow, and unfair treatment, teaching that such trials remind a person of their transient nature, foster humility, protect against vainglory, and drive the soul to rely wholly on God rather than on human comfort.

## Themes in this chapter

### Contempt for the World

Adversity teaches that one is a stranger and sojourner, not to trust in worldly things.

### Suffering and the Cross

Sorrows and contradictions are portrayed as means to humility, self-knowledge, and deeper dependence on God.

## Character check-ins

### The Disciple

The disciple reflects on the spiritual value of suffering and adversity.

### Jesus Christ

The disciple expresses a desire to depart and be with Christ.

### God the Father

The soul is urged to rest wholly upon God and seek His witness.

## Key lines

> It is good for us that we sometimes have sorrows and adversities, for they often make a man lay to heart that he is only a stranger and sojourner, and may not put his trust in any worldly thing.

Sorrows and hardships are beneficial because they remind us that we are merely travelers in this world and should not rely on anything earthly.

_The chapter opens with the core teaching on the value of adversity._

> Therefore ought a man to rest wholly upon God, so that he needeth not seek much comfort at the hand of men.

A person should place all their trust in God, rather than seeking comfort from other people.

_Highlights the theme of divine dependence over human consolation._

## Links

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