Remember the End…

We are reluctant to leave a changing season without some earnest searching of ourselves. “We ought daily to renew our vows,” said Thomas à Kempis, “and kindle our hearts . . . as if . . . to say, ‘Help me, O God, in my good resolutions . . . and grant that this day I may make a good beginning . . .’ Strive as earnestly as we may, we shall still fall short in many things . . . . If thou canst not be always examining thyself, thou canst [do so] at certain seasons, and at least twice in the day, at evening and at morning. In the morning make thy resolves, and in the evening inquire into thy life, how thou hast [done] today in word, deed and thought . . . At eventide thou shalt always be glad if thou spend the day profitably . . . For verily it is not . . . words that make a man holy and upright; it is a good life . . . . Do what lieth in thy power, and God will help thy good intent . . . . If each year should see one fault rooted out from us, we should go . . . on to perfection . . . . Yet, if thou overcome not slight and easy obstacles, how shalt thou overcome greater ones?. . . There is no position so sacred, no place so secret, that it is without temptations and adversities . . . . Little by little, through patience and long suffering, thou shalt conquer by the help of God . . . . Of a surety at the Day of Judgment it will be demanded of us, not what we have read, but what we have done; not how well we have spoken, but how holily we have lived. In all that thou doest, remember the end, and how thou wilt stand before a strict judge, from whom nothing is hid, who is not bribed with gifts, nor accepteth excuses, but will judge righteous judgment.” So said Thomas à Kempis. God grant that we may examine ourselves and be ever more acceptable; for God has not asked the impossible of us, but only rightness of heart, earnest effort, and some proof of our repentance. And in this self-searching we should always remember the end.