That all Things are to be Referred to God, as th

Name: That all Things are to be Referred to God, as the Final End
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The work emphasizes the necessity of directing all aspects of life towards God as the ultimate purpose for achieving true happiness. It asserts that self-centeredness and attachment to worldly things lead to spiritual barrenness. The text encourages the reader to view all blessings as gifts from God, recognizing Him as the source of all goodness. It highlights the importance of humility, stating that both the humble and the affluent draw sustenance from God, who offers grace to those who serve Him sincerely. In contrast, those who seek glory apart from God will find themselves in turmoil and lacking true joy. The work insists that all virtues and goods should be attributed to God, as humans possess nothing independently. The text presents a clear dichotomy between divine grace and human pride, asserting that true wisdom lies in rejoicing and hoping solely in God. It emphasizes that divine charity transcends all, eliminating envy and self-love, and expanding the soul's capacities. The overarching message is that God alone is worthy of praise and gratitude, and recognizing this truth liberates one from the vanity of self-importance.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1518 · Genre: Theology, Spirituality, Philosophy · 364 words

First lines

"My Son, I must be thy Supreme and final end, if thou desirest to be truly happy. Out of such purpose thy affection shall be purified, which too often is sinfully bent upon itself and upon created things. For if thou seekest thyself in any matter, straightway thou wilt fail within thyself and grow barren. Therefore refer everything to Me first of all, for it is I who gave thee all. So look upon each blessing as flowing from the Supreme Good, and thus all things are to be attributed to Me as their source.

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That all Things are to be Referred to God, as the Final End is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1518 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Thomas à Kempis
Date: 1518 CE
Language: English
Genres: Theology, Spirituality, Philosophy, Devotional Literature, Christian Literature
Length: 364 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Theology — The work focuses on the relationship between God and humanity, emphasizing divine purpose and the importance of referring all things to God.
Spirituality — The text encourages personal spiritual growth and the pursuit of true happiness through a connection with God.
Philosophy — It presents philosophical reflections on self, virtue, and the nature of good, exploring the implications of attributing all goodness to God.
Devotional Literature — The work serves as a guide for personal devotion and reflection, aimed at fostering a deeper relationship with God.