Of the Obedience of One in Lowly Subjection afte
The work emphasizes the importance of obedience and humility as essential virtues for spiritual growth. It argues that withdrawing from obedience leads to a withdrawal from grace, highlighting the interconnectedness of personal discipline and communal harmony. The text asserts that true submission is a reflection of inner strength, not weakness, and that resisting authority often stems from an ungoverned self. The author encourages the reader to recognize their own insignificance and to embrace humility by yielding to others. This act of submission is framed as a pathway to overcoming pride and self-centeredness. The narrative draws a parallel between the humility of the divine and the expected humility of individuals, urging readers to emulate this model. The work also addresses the internal struggle against one's own desires and passions, advocating for a zealous approach to self-discipline. It posits that true obedience involves a willingness to be trampled upon, akin to clay underfoot, and that such humility is a necessary condition for spiritual enlightenment. Furthermore, the text reflects on the nature of sin and the human condition, reminding readers of their fallibility and the grace extended to them despite their shortcomings. It calls for a deep appreciation of divine mercy, which should inspire a commitment to humility and obedience. Ultimately, the work serves as a guide for those seeking to cultivate a life of submission to God and others, framing this journey as essential for achieving inner peace and spiritual fulfillment. The overarching message is one of surrendering the self to a higher purpose, thereby aligning personal will with divine will.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1654 · Genre: Theological Literature, Spiritual Guidance, Devotional Literature · 429 words
First lines
"My Son, he who striveth to withdraw himself from obedience, withdraweth himself also from grace, and he who seeketh private advantages, loseth those which are common unto all. If a man submit not freely and willingly to one set over him, it is a sign that his flesh is not yet perfectly subject to himself, but often resisteth and murmureth. Learn therefore quickly to submit thyself to him who is over thee, if thou seekest to bring thine own flesh into subjection. For the outward enemy is very quickly overcome if the inner man have not been laid low. There is no more grievous and deadly enemy to the soul than thou art to thyself, if thou art not led by the Spirit. Thou must not altogether conceive contempt for thyself, if thou wilt prevail against flesh and blood. Because as yet thou inordinately lovest thyself, therefore thou shrinkest from yielding thyself to the will of others.
What this Textopian page supports
Of the Obedience of One in Lowly Subjection after the Example of Jesus Christ is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1654 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thomas à Kempis
- Date: 1654 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Theological Literature, Spiritual Guidance, Devotional Literature, Philosophical Treatise, Christian Ethics
- Length: 429 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Of the Obedience of One in Lowly Subjection after the Example of Jesus Christ by Thomas à Kempis
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Of the Obedience of One in Lowly Subjection after the Example of Jesus Christ?
- How does this essay by Thomas à Kempis fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Theological Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- That We Ought To Deny Ourselves And To Imitate Christ By Means Of The Cross by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Works Of Charity by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Oblation Of Christ Upon The Cross And Of Resignation Of Self by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Imitation Of Christ And Of Contempt Of The World And All Its Vanities by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Hiding Our Grace Under The Guard Of Humility by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Lowly Submission by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Theological Literature — The book explores themes of obedience, humility, and the relationship between man and God, central to theological discourse.
- Spiritual Guidance — It provides practical advice on spiritual submission and self-discipline, aimed at guiding readers in their spiritual lives.
- Devotional Literature — The text serves as a devotional work, encouraging reflection on personal humility and obedience to divine will.
- Philosophical Treatise — It engages with philosophical ideas about self-control, pride, and the nature of man in relation to God.
Tags
Christianity · Spirituality · Devotional · Meditation · Prayer · Humility · Obedience · Submission · Faith · Love · Self-denial · Discipline
More by Thomas à Kempis
- Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all its Vanities (1441)
- Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself (1441)
- Of the Knowledge of Truth (1441)
- Of Prudence in Action (1518)
- Of the Reading of Holy Scripture (1441)
- Of Inordinate Affections (1441)
- Of Fleeing from Vain Hope and Pride (1940)
- Of the Danger of too Much Familiarity (1904)
- All works by Thomas à Kempis