I recently revisited a devotional on the topic of living with discernment based on The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis (1380–1471), a monk from the Monastery of Mount St. Agnes in the Netherlands. (You can find the devotional I reference [here].)
Every time I read the following passage, I am amazed at how relevant it remains, despite being written in the early 1400s. Its timeless wisdom provides three profound lessons for our spiritual walk with Christ:
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1
“You must not trust every word of others or feelings within yourselves, but cautiously and patiently ask if the matter is godly. Unhappily, we are so weak that we find it easier to believe and speak evil of others rather than their good. But Christ-like people do not pay attention to every bit of news, because they know that in human weakness they are prone to evil and untruthful words.
This is great wisdom for us: not to be hasty in our actions or stubborn in our own opinions. A part of this wisdom is also not to believe every word we hear, nor to tell others all that we hear, nor even what we believe. Take advice from a person who is wise and has a good conscience. Let us seek to learn from one wiser than ourselves rather than follow our own imaginations.
A good life makes us wise toward God and gives us experience in many things. The more humble we are and the more obedient we are toward God, the wiser we will be in all things, and the more our souls will be at peace.”
– The Imitation of Christ, Watkins, p. 62–63
Lesson 1: Discernment Through the Holy Spirit
In our modern world, we are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information from countless sources. News, social media, conversations, and even our own internal thoughts compete for attention. Kempis reminds us that the most critical filter for processing all this information is to ask: Is this godly?
God is the ultimate source of truth, and anything contrary to His nature cannot be trusted. Satan, the adversary, is skilled at crafting lies wrapped in a thin veneer of truth, exploiting our human vulnerabilities. This is why we need discernment, guided by the Holy Spirit, to distinguish truth from deception.
Practicing discernment may slow down our decision-making process, but as Kempis suggests, is that really a bad thing if it means getting closer to the truth? Rushing often leads to mistakes, while careful, prayerful reflection guided by the Spirit aligns us with God’s will.
(For more on this topic, see my related post: Patience and the Spiritual Gifts.)
Lesson 2: Wisdom in Thought and Action
Kempis warns us not to be hasty in our actions or stubborn in our opinions. Both haste and stubbornness can leave us vulnerable to deception. When we act impulsively, especially under the influence of strong emotions like anger, fear, or pride, we bypass the opportunity for thoughtful reflection and spiritual guidance.
Wisdom involves pausing to reflect and inviting the Holy Spirit into our decision-making process. Haste often leads to the spread of misinformation, unkind words, or actions that harm others. Kempis’ advice is a reminder to guard our hearts and words, being mindful of the consequences they may have on others and on our witness for Christ.
By exercising patience and thoughtfulness, we open ourselves to God’s wisdom and allow Him to guide our responses in a Christ-like manner.
Lesson 3: Humility, Obedience, and Peace
Kempis concludes by linking humility and obedience to God with wisdom and inner peace. In a world that often glorifies pride and self-sufficiency, humility can feel countercultural. Yet, it is through humility that we recognize our dependence on God and open ourselves to His guidance.
Obedience to God requires trusting in His wisdom over our own. When we surrender our will to His, we gain the peace that comes from knowing we are walking in alignment with His purpose. This peace is not the absence of challenges but the assurance that God is with us, guiding and sustaining us through every trial.
A Call to Live with Discernment
Kempis’ words remain as relevant today as they were over six centuries ago. In a noisy, fast-paced world, his call to discernment, wisdom, and humility invites us to slow down, seek God’s truth, and live in peace.
Let us take these lessons to heart as we strive to follow Christ more closely:
- Test the spirits and seek discernment from the Holy Spirit.
- Be wise, patient, and thoughtful in both actions and opinions.
- Embrace humility and obedience to God, trusting in His wisdom and finding peace in His presence.
May these timeless truths shape our hearts and minds, drawing us closer to Christ each day.
