# Of the exercises of a religious man explained — The Imitation of Christ

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

## What happens

The chapter emphasizes the need for a Christian to adorn his life with all virtues, to renew his vows daily, and to rely on God's grace for progress. It advises regular self-examination, resistance against sin, and the importance of holy exercises suited to one's state and season, with a focus on being watchful and prepared for the Lord's coming.

## Themes in this chapter

### Interior Life and Solitude

The chapter stresses the need to be inwardly what one appears outwardly, and to examine both outer and inner life, emphasizing the interior disposition before God.

### Grace and Divine Dependence

The resolution of the righteous depends more on God's grace than on their own wisdom, and man proposes but God disposes.

## Character check-ins

### The Disciple

The disciple is the speaker throughout the chapter, offering guidance on spiritual exercises and self-examination.

### God the Father

Referred to as the discerner of the heart whom we must reverence and walk pure before.

### Jesus Christ

Quoted indirectly through the Evangelist Luke: 'Blessed is that servant whom when the Lord cometh He shall find watching.'

## Key lines

> Help me, O God, in my good resolutions, and in Thy holy service, and grant that this day I may make a good beginning, for hitherto I have done nothing!

Assist me, Lord, in my commitments and in serving You, and let today be a fresh start, since I have accomplished nothing so far.

_A prayer for daily renewal and dependence on God's help._

> For man proposeth, but God disposeth; and 'the way of a man is not in himself.'

Humans make plans, but God determines the outcome; a person's path is not under their own control.

_Acknowledges human limitation and divine sovereignty._

> Blessed is that servant whom when the Lord cometh He shall find watching. Verily I say unto you, He will make him ruler over all that He hath.

Happy is the servant who is alert when the Lord arrives; truly, He will put that servant in charge of all His possessions.

_A call to vigilance and readiness for Christ's coming, quoting Luke 12:43-44._

## Links

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