How we Must Stand and Speak, in Everything that

Name: How we Must Stand and Speak, in Everything that we Desire
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The work emphasizes the importance of aligning one's desires with divine will, advocating for a humble and submissive approach to personal aspirations. It begins with a call to seek God's approval in all matters, urging individuals to express their wishes while acknowledging the potential for misjudgment regarding the nature of their desires. The text warns that not all desires stem from a good spirit, and discernment is crucial in determining their origin. The author encourages a posture of surrender, where one entrusts their wishes to God, recognizing His omniscience in knowing what is truly beneficial. This involves a commitment to seek God's honor above personal gain, with a prayer for grace to desire what pleases Him. The work highlights the necessity of dying to worldly attachments and embracing a life of humility and service. The central theme revolves around the quest for inner peace through alignment with God's will, asserting that true rest and fulfillment can only be found in Him. The text concludes with a plea for divine assistance in achieving a state of perfect obedience and harmony with God's desires, reinforcing the notion that a life dedicated to God leads to ultimate tranquility.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 2023 · Genre: Spiritual Literature, Devotional, Philosophical · 550 words

First lines

"My Son, speak thou thus in every matter, ‘Lord, if it please Thee, let this come to pass. Lord, if this shall be for Thine honour, let it be done in Thy Name. Lord, if thou see it good for me, and approve it as useful, then grant me to use it for Thy honour. But if thou knowest that it shall be hurtful unto me, and not profitable for the health of my soul, take the desire away from me! ' For not every desire is from the Holy Ghost, although it appear to a man right and good. It is difficult to judge with certainty whether a good or an evil spirit move thee to desire this or that, or whether thou art moved by thine own spirit. Many have been deceived at the last, who seemed at the beginning to be moved by a good spirit.

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How we Must Stand and Speak, in Everything that we Desire is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 2023 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Thomas à Kempis
Date: 2023 CE
Language: English
Genres: Spiritual Literature, Devotional, Philosophical, Religious Instruction, Meditative
Length: 550 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Genres

Spiritual Literature — The text focuses on the relationship between the individual and God, emphasizing prayer, desire, and divine will.
Devotional — It serves as a guide for personal devotion and spiritual growth, encouraging humility and submission to God's will.
Philosophical — The work explores themes of desire, morality, and the nature of good and evil, prompting reflection on one's motivations.
Religious Instruction — It provides teachings on how to align one's desires with spiritual principles and God's intentions.