The few

I was just wandering whether or not to go home and work there, as I'd read that England had actually bowled South Africa out with only an 83 run lead. The thought of a sunny afternoon, the door open, with Test Match Special on in the background was quite a delight, until I just saw we were 40-2! Now I'm not too sure!...

I’m eagerly expecting a couple of books that I happily ordered from Amazon the other day. At £1.99 I was able to get Thomas A Kempis – ‘The imitation of Christ’. I picked it up whilst in Bath, in the religion section at Waterstones of all places. They had a far greater selection than Gloucester. But anyway, I found out that we had a copy in the office, so I picked it up and had a look. If the book is anything like the following script, then I’m sure its going to be a heavy, but incredible read…

'Jesus has many who love His kingdom in Heaven, but few who bear His cross. He has many who desire comfort, but few who desire suffering. He finds many to share his feast, but few his fasting…Many love Jesus as long as no hardship touches them. Many praise and bless him, as long as they are receiving any comfort from him. But if Jesus withdrew himself, they fall to complaining and utter dejection.

They who love Jesus for His own sake, and not for the sake of comfort for themselves, bless him in every trial and anguish of heart, no less than in the greatest of joy. And were he never willing to bestow comfort on them, they would still always praise him and give him thanks…

Oh, how powerful is the pure love of Jesus free from all self-interest and self-love! Are they not all mercenary, who are always seeking comfort? Do they not betray themselves as lovers of self rather than of Christ, when they are always thinking of their own advantage or gain? Where will you find one who is willing to serve God without reward?'