The Imitation of Christ · Chapter
XXXIX explained
The chapter warns against being consumed by worldly business and urges the disciple to commit all causes to God, trusting in His timing.
What happens
The chapter warns against being consumed by worldly business and urges the disciple to commit all causes to God, trusting in His timing. It emphasizes the fleeting nature of human desires and the importance of self-denial for true progress, while cautioning against the enemy's constant temptations and exhorting watchfulness and prayer.
Themes in this chapter
Contempt for the World
The chapter advises against being immersed in business and worldly desires, urging the disciple to commit all to God and resist self.
Humility and Self-Denial
True progress is found in self-denial, and the disciple is called to resist self even in small things.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Speaks as 'My Son' instructing the disciple to commit his cause to God and to watch and pray against temptation.
- The Disciple
Responds to Christ's instruction, expressing willingness to commit all things to God and lamenting his own preoccupation with future events.
- God the Father
Implied as the one to whom all causes are committed and who will dispose all things aright in due time.
Key passages
“My Son, always commit thy cause to Me; I will dispose it aright in due time.”
Entrust your concerns to God, and He will handle them perfectly at the right moment.
Christ instructs the disciple to rely on divine providence rather than anxious planning.
“The true progress of man lieth in self-denial, and a man who denieth himself is free and safe.”
Real spiritual growth comes from denying oneself, and such a person is truly free and secure.
Highlights the central theme of self-denial as the path to freedom and safety.
“Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.”
Stay alert and pray so that you do not fall into temptation.
A direct exhortation from Christ to remain vigilant against spiritual dangers.