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The Imitation of Christ

"Of the imitation of Christ, and of contempt of the world and all its vanities ..."

So begins a little book that has been read and used by Christians for over 600 years now.  Many people have heard of Thomas a Kempis' The Imitation of Christ, but it's one of those books you don't really stumble upon unless you're looking for it.  Still, if you are looking for a way to get yourself back on track spiritually, there might not be a better book.  It's easy to pick it up and read just a few sentences or a few paragraphs as you start your day.  It's written as a book of wisdom, aimed at helping us see the big picture and to focus in on the little habits that build up a life of peace and patience and kindness and endurance:  things like humility and kindness towards our neighbor, things like releasing our need to control our lives or acheive some form of success.

But, what I love about it is its focus and simple clarity.  That opening line is a great example.  There's no mincing of words.  No need to hem and haw.  It just spells it out.  This is a book for those who are ready to get back on track again.

I thought about this line yesterday while I was finishing up Ken Burns special on Country music.  The story turned towards the heyday of the early 80's when country music stars were feeling the pressure to do everything bigger - bigger shows, bigger hair, bigger cars, bigger tours.  Marty Stuart was one of the biggest at that time, and definitely was up there for biggest hair!  But, when the great Bill Monroe passed away, Marty found himself reminiscing about Bill's influence on his own life ... and the old, simple ways. 

Right in the middle of all of his success and glamour and top-of-the-charts lifestyle, Marty felt strangely empty and too rushed.  Then, one day, he found himself out riding on a horse in the countryside reflecting on the gift of Bill's life.  Out there in the quiet countryside, he looked around and saw the fence lines, the barns, the woods, the cattle in the distance.

He realized that he had fallen into that age old mistake ... chasing after what Kempis calls the "world and all its vanities".

How about you?  As you look at the start of your week so far, what is consuming your energy?  Where is your focus?  Is it leading to a greater sense of peace, or is it leading you into greater stress?  Maybe it's a good chance to have a Marty Stuart moment, to reevaluate and reconsider if the path you're on is the path you want to be on.  The Imitation of Christ might be a good place to pick up the right path again.

~Pastor Wes

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