Men,
I am finding many jewels of wisdom in this book Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis. In this particular chapter entitled "The Provider of a True Lover," a Kempis is writing a dialogue between Christ and a disciple (any of us). He is encouraging us how to handle the enemy when he sets traps for us. Check this out!
"He suggests many evil thoughts that he may cause you weariness and horror, and thus draw you away from prayer and holy reading. A humble confession displeases him and, if he could, he would make you omit Holy Communion. Do not believe him or heed him, even though he often sets traps to deceive you. When he suggests evil, unclean things, accuse him. Say to him:
'Away, unclean spirit! Shame, miserable creature! You are but filth to bring such things to my ears. Begone, most wretched seducer! You shall have no part in me, for Jesus will be my strength, and you shall be confounded. I would rather die and suffer all torments than consent to you. Be still! Be silent! Though you bring many troubles upon me I will have none of you. The Lord is my light, my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Though armies unite against me, my heart will not fear, for the Lord is my Helper, my Redeemer.'
Fight like a good soldier and if you sometimes fall through weakness, rise again with greater strength than before, trusting in My most abundant grace. But beware of vain complacency and pride. For many are led into error through these faults and sometimes fall into almost perpetual blindness. Let the fall of these, who proudly presume on self, be a warning to you and a constant incentive to humility."
Thomas a Kempis (2009). Imitation of Christ - Enhanced Version (Kindle Locations 1213-1216). Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Kindle Edition.
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