The Imitation of Christ · Chapter
Of Instability of the Heart, and of Directing the Aim Towards God explained
The chapter addresses the inherent instability of human feelings and desires, urging the disciple to fix the eye of intention solely on God, rather than being swayed by changing emotions or worldly distractions.
What happens
The chapter addresses the inherent instability of human feelings and desires, urging the disciple to fix the eye of intention solely on God, rather than being swayed by changing emotions or worldly distractions.
Themes in this chapter
Interior Life and Solitude
The chapter emphasizes the need to look inward and fix the heart's intention on God, rising above external changes.
Love of God Above All
The pure intention is to direct all desires and actions toward God, avoiding self-seeking and worldly distractions.
Characters to notice
- God the Father
Speaker of the chapter, addressing the disciple about the instability of the heart and the need to direct intention toward Him.
- The Disciple
The listener and recipient of the divine instruction on purifying the intention.
- Jesus Christ
Referenced in the example of the Jews coming to see Lazarus, not Jesus, illustrating misplaced intention.
Key passages
“My Son, trust not thy feeling, for that which is now will be quickly changed into somewhat else.”
Do not rely on your emotions, because they are constantly shifting and unreliable.
Opening admonition about the instability of human feelings.
“Therefore must the eye of the intention be cleansed, that it may be single and right, and above all things which come in its way, may be directed unto Me.”
You must purify your intention so that it is focused solely on God, not distracted by anything else.
Final exhortation to purify the intention.