The Imitation of Christ · Chapter
Of a good government in external things, and of having recourse to God in dangers explained
The chapter teaches the disciple to maintain inner freedom and mastery over external actions, not becoming a slave to circumstances but a free child of God.
What happens
The chapter teaches the disciple to maintain inner freedom and mastery over external actions, not becoming a slave to circumstances but a free child of God. It emphasizes looking beyond temporal things to eternal realities, and in every doubt or danger, following Moses' example by entering the tabernacle of prayer to seek divine counsel, lest one be deceived by appearances.
Themes in this chapter
Interior Life and Solitude
The chapter urges the disciple to be free within and to flee to the secret chamber of the heart for divine counsel.
Contempt for the World
The disciple is called to stand above temporal things, not cleaving to them but using them for good service as ordained by God.
Grace and Divine Dependence
Emphasizes the necessity of imploring divine succor and seeking God's counsel in all dangers and doubts.
Characters to notice
- The Disciple
Addressed as 'My Son' and exhorted to be free within and master of his actions.
- God the Father
Speaker of the chapter, giving instruction on inner freedom and recourse to prayer.
- Moses
Cited as the example of entering the tabernacle to ask counsel of God in all doubts.
- Jesus Christ
Implied as the source of liberty for the children of God.
Key passages
“My Son, for this thou must diligently make thy endeavour, that in every place and outward action or occupation thou mayest be free within, and have power over thyself; and that all things be under thee, not thou under them; that thou be master and ruler of thy actions, not a slave or hireling, but rather a free and true Hebrew, entering into the lot and the liberty of the children of God.”
Strive to be inwardly free and self-controlled in every situation, so that you rule over your actions rather than being ruled by them. Be like a free child of God, not a slave.
This passage defines the ideal of inner freedom and mastery over external circumstances.
“And if in any chance of life thou stand not in outward appearances, nor judgest things which are seen and heard by the fleshly sense, but straightway in every cause enterest with Moses into the tabernacle to ask counsel of God; thou shalt hear a divine response and come forth instructed concerning many things that are and shall be.”
If you do not rely on outward appearances or physical senses, but immediately seek God's counsel in prayer like Moses, you will receive divine guidance and understanding.
The chapter uses Moses' example to teach the importance of seeking God's will through prayer before acting.