Imitation of Christ Chapter Six – Unhealthy Affections
When someone has exorbitant love for something other than God or people it makes them restless. Excessive affections makes someone weak when temptation comes. This carnal person has not died to self and their destructive attachments. Their spirit is weak and they keep looking for worldly pleasure.
When they deprive themself of the objects of their affections they become sad and irritable. And when they give in to their unhealthy affections they feel guilty. They also realize they aren’t truly satisfied and didn’t find peace.
These attachments or affections keep one from becoming like Christ. Many believers don’t grow because they have so much love for things or their self. Some of these are fine in moderation but their heart is so attached it prevents them from fully loving God. They wonder why they don’t feel closer to God but they ignore anything they hear about giving up their attachments. It’s like holding a tiger on a leash and wondering why you keep getting grabbed around in different directions.
One who has let go of their excess affections finds peace and rest. True peace is found by overcoming our excess affections not by giving in to them. Inner harmony is found by great affection towards God and walking in the Spirit.
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Today’s post is an interpretation of a chapter of the most popular devotional book in the history of Christianity, The Imitation of Christ. It was written by a monk (or possibly several monks) in the 15th century named Thomas a Kempis. You can view all the posts in this series by selecting “Imitation of Christ” in the categories listing.
