DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

Thomas à Kempis’ The Inner Life, a selection from his seminal work The Imitation of Christ, is a deeply introspective and spiritual text that explores the nature of personal piety, humility, and the pursuit of a God-centered life. Written in the early 15th century, it remains one of the most influential Christian devotional works, emphasizing inner transformation over external rituals and intellectual debates.

Let’s explore…

The call to inner life

Kempis begins by urging the reader to cultivate an inner life of devotion rather than seeking validation or fulfillment in worldly affairs. He warns against the distractions of external knowledge, status, and material wealth, advocating instead for a life of simplicity and inner peace. The key to spiritual growth, according to Kempis, is to detach from worldly concerns and focus entirely on God. This aligns with the monastic ideal of withdrawing from the world to find divine truth within oneself.

Kempis frequently reminds the reader that the pursuit of wisdom is not about accumulating knowledge but about living virtuously. He cautions against vanity and pride, suggesting that those who seek knowledge for the sake of status rather than for their moral and spiritual betterment are misguided. True wisdom comes not from intellectual achievement but from humility and obedience to God.

Humility and self-denial

A major theme in The Inner Life is the importance of humility. Kempis critiques those who take pride in their intelligence or social standing, arguing that self-importance distances a person from true spirituality. He reminds readers that Christ himself embodied humility, living a life of service and self-denial. Those who wish to follow Christ must do the same, embracing a humble existence free from arrogance and self-glorification.

Kempis also discusses the necessity of self-denial, explaining that spiritual progress requires relinquishing personal desires and attachments. He emphasizes that a person should not seek external praise or rely on human approval but should instead focus on cultivating a sincere and honest relationship with God. This act of self-renunciation leads to true inner peace, as it frees the soul from the burden of worldly anxieties.

The importance of suffering and patience

Suffering plays a central role in Kempis’ teachings. He argues that hardships and tribulations should not be seen as punishments but as opportunities for spiritual refinement. He writes that enduring suffering patiently brings a person closer to Christ, who himself suffered immensely for humanity’s redemption. Instead of resisting suffering or complaining, one should embrace it with grace, trusting that it serves a higher divine purpose.

Patience, closely linked to suffering, is another virtue Kempis stresses. The spiritual journey is often slow and filled with trials, but patience ensures that one remains steadfast in faith. The key to enduring life’s challenges is to maintain a strong inner life and remain focused on God rather than on temporary difficulties.

The danger of worldly distractions

Kempis warns against becoming too attached to the world. He critiques the pursuit of wealth, pleasure, and recognition, stating that these are fleeting and ultimately unfulfilling. True joy, he insists, can only be found in God. He advises against seeking external validation and encourages readers to embrace solitude and silence as a means of strengthening their spiritual connection.

This detachment from worldly distractions does not mean complete withdrawal from life, but rather a shift in focus. Kempis does not advocate for ignorance or inactivity but urges that all actions and pursuits be guided by a desire to serve God rather than oneself.

Love of god and the desire for heaven

Kempis speaks about the love of God as the highest and most fulfilling goal. He encourages the reader to develop a deep and personal relationship with God, emphasizing that all human relationships and earthly pleasures are transient, while divine love is eternal. Those who dedicate their lives to loving and serving God will find peace, even in the midst of suffering.

Connected to this is the longing for Heaven. Kempis reminds his readers that life on Earth is temporary, and the ultimate goal should be to attain eternal life with God. By focusing on the afterlife and maintaining a righteous path, one can overcome earthly struggles with hope and perseverance.

The role of scripture and prayer

Kempis highlights the importance of Scripture and prayer as the foundations of a strong spiritual life. He advises reading Scripture not merely as an intellectual exercise but as a means of personal transformation. The Bible should be meditated upon and internalized, allowing its teachings to shape one’s character and actions.

Prayer, according to Kempis, is the most direct way to communicate with God. He stresses that prayer should be sincere and heartfelt rather than a mere recitation of words. True prayer fosters humility, gratitude, and a sense of closeness to God. Those who pray regularly develop a deep sense of inner peace and clarity, which helps them navigate life’s challenges.

The battle against temptation

Temptation is an inevitable part of the spiritual journey, and Kempis provides guidance on how to resist it. He acknowledges that even the most devout individuals struggle with sinful thoughts and desires, but he reassures his readers that these struggles are a normal part of spiritual growth. The key is to remain vigilant and to rely on God’s strength rather than one’s own.

Kempis encourages self-discipline and constant self-examination as a means of overcoming temptation. He suggests that those who truly seek God will gradually find it easier to resist worldly temptations, as their hearts will be more inclined toward divine rather than earthly fulfillment.

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In The Inner Life, Kempis offers a profound meditation on the essence of Christian devotion. He argues that true peace is found not in external achievements or worldly success but in cultivating a deep, humble, and unwavering relationship with God. The journey to inner peace requires self-denial, patience, and a sincere desire to align one’s will with the divine.

Kempis’ teachings continue to resonate because they address fundamental human struggles—pride, temptation, suffering, and the search for meaning. His call to simplicity, humility, and unwavering faith provides a timeless guide for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. By focusing on the inner life and prioritizing God above all else, one can achieve true greatness—not in the eyes of the world, but in the eyes of God.