No Matter What

With God's Word instructing us otherwise, why is that we always think we need to promote and exalt ourselves? I have been reminded in recent days that the life I live is "not about me." It is all about the "one whom I serve." While the Bible is our ultimate and final source of instruction and revelation, God has used His servants to practically remind us of why we are on the planet?

I want to recommend several books to you. The first is It's Not About Me by Max Lucado. A lengthier read would be The Pleasures of God by John Piper. A third recommendation is a book written more than 500 years ago. It is called The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A' Kempis. A' Kempis lived between 1380-1471. Even though you may have never heard of the book, it was once called the best loved, most widely read religious book in the world, after the Bible. It should be noted that in an increasingly secular age, the popularity of the booked has waned. The problem...the mantra of our current culture screams "It's all about me."

I want to share a segment of the book for your reflection, contemplation and prayer. Remember it was written over 500 years ago.

Rarely is anyone found so spiritual as to be stript of the love of all earthly things. For where is any man to be found that is poor in spirit, and free from all creatures? "From afar, yea, from the ends of the earth, is his value." (prov. 31:10) If a man should give all his substance, yet it is nothing. And if he should practice great repentance, still it is little. And if he should attain to all knowledge, he still is afar off. And if he should be of great virtue, and very fervent devotion, yet there is much wanting; especially, one thing, which is most necesary for him. What is that? That leaving all, he forsake himself, and go wholly from himself, (Matthew 16:24) and retain nothing out of self-love?

And when he is done all that is to be done, as far as he knoweth, let him think that he has done nothing. Let him not reckon that much, which might be esteemed but let him pronounce himself in truth an unprofitabel servant, as the Truth himself saith, "When you shall have done all things that are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants." (Luke 17:10) Then may he be truly poor and naked in spirit, and say with the prophet, "I am alone and poor." (Psalm 25:16) Yet no man richer than he, no man more free: for he can leave himself and all things, and set himself in the lowest place.

What a tremendous understanding of God and man. I can see why the book has become less popular over the centuries. It runs in opposition to the way most people (including Christians) think. I pray that we will heed the wisdom of this contemplative dutch priest. Rich in Him ...Craig