Next to the Bible, the most popular Christian book is The Imitation of Christ by the German priest Thomas á Kempis (1380-1471). Thomas wrote this devotional handbook in stages around 1418-1427. As the title tells us, the best way to be a Christian is to imitate Christ. The book was widely circulated in hand-written copies and was a bestseller when printed copies were available. It’s a very small book, but the size is no indicator of its impact.

Here are a few excerpts from Chapter 11 of Book II. “Jesus has now many lovers of his heavenly kingdom, but few bearers of his cross. He has many who are desirous of consolations, but few of tribulation . . . All desire to rejoice with him, but few are willing to endure anything for his sake. . . Many love Jesus as long as they meet with no adversity.”

These words are a real indictment of my spirituality. I want consolations from Christ. I want to be supported and comforted, but I don’t want tribulations or adversity. That’s probably the attitude of most Christians.

What hardship does Christ ask of us? Loving our enemies. Caring for the poor. Telling people the Good News. Most of us won’t face persecution, yet the smallest upset can become a major stumbling block to our faith.

Next time I grumble about some supposed “hardship” I encounter for my faith, I’ll need to remind myself of what Christ suffered for my sake. Christ “humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death–even death on a cross.”

Read Philippians 2:5-8 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne