That there is no Security against Temptation in

Name: That there is no Security against Temptation in this Life
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The work emphasizes the constant presence of temptation and the necessity of spiritual vigilance throughout life. It asserts that individuals are perpetually surrounded by adversities and must don the armor of patience to withstand these challenges. A steadfast focus on divine purpose is crucial for enduring trials and achieving spiritual victory. The text encourages the reader to embrace suffering and hardship as essential components of spiritual growth, suggesting that true peace is found not in earthly comforts but in a deep relationship with the divine. It highlights the importance of enduring various forms of suffering—labor, sorrow, temptation—as they contribute to the development of virtue and the attainment of eternal rewards. The narrative acknowledges that spiritual consolation is not guaranteed and that even the saints faced significant trials. It calls for patience and trust in God, emphasizing that the struggles of this life are minor compared to the glory that awaits. The reader is urged to remain steadfast, to confront challenges with courage, and to dedicate oneself wholly to God’s glory, promising divine support in times of trouble. Ultimately, the work serves as a guide for navigating the complexities of life, advocating for resilience, patience, and unwavering faith in the face of temptation and adversity.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1908 · Genre: Spiritual Literature, Theology, Philosophy · 442 words

First lines

"My Son, thou art never secure in this life, but thy spiritual armour will always be needful for thee as long as thou livest. Thou dwellest among foes, and art attacked on the right hand and on the left. If therefore thou use not on all sides the shield of patience, thou wilt not remain long unwounded. Above all, if thou keep not thy heart fixed upon Me with steadfast purpose to bear all things for My sake, thou shalt not be able to bear the fierceness of the attack, nor to attain to the victory of the blessed. Therefore must thou struggle bravely all thy life through, and put forth a strong hand against those things which oppose thee. For to him that overcometh is the hidden manna given,90 but great misery is reserved for the slothful.

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That there is no Security against Temptation in this Life is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1908 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Thomas à Kempis
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Spiritual Literature, Theology, Philosophy, Devotional, Self-Help
Length: 442 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Spiritual Literature — The text focuses on spiritual growth, the struggle against temptation, and reliance on God, which are central themes in spiritual literature.
Theology — The work discusses theological concepts such as sin, virtue, and divine reward, making it relevant to theological studies.
Philosophy — The exploration of human existence, temptation, and the nature of true peace aligns with philosophical inquiry.
Devotional — The text serves as a guide for personal devotion and reflection on one's relationship with God.