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  DO NOT BE CONCERNED ABOUT OUTWARD THINGS
  by Thomas a Kempis
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Summary: Thomas a Kempis teaches that it is more profitable to focus on
our relationship with God and ignore outward things that distract us
from our spiritual well-being.

Topics: "Spiritual Focus", "Eternal Priorities"
Scripture References: Matthew 16:26, Romans 12:2, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:2, 1 Timothy 6:6

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas a Kempis preaches about the importance of focusing on eternal
matters and turning away from worldly distractions. He emphasizes the
need to consider oneself dead to the world and to prioritize peace and
spiritual well-being over quarrelsome discussions. Kempis highlights the
tendency of humans to fret over temporal losses while neglecting the
salvation of their souls, urging a withdrawal from excessive focus on
outward things to avoid being immersed in superficial concerns.

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CONTENT
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THE VOICE OF CHRIST

MY CHILD, there are many matters of which it is well for you to be
ignorant, and to consider yourself as one who is dead upon the earth and
to whom the whole world is crucified. There are many things, too, which
it is well to pass by with a deaf ear, thinking, instead, of what is
more to your peace. It is more profitable to turn away from things which
displease you and to leave to every man his own opinion than to take
part in quarrelsome talk. If you stand well with God and look to His
judgment, you will more easily bear being worsted.

THE DISCIPLE

To what have we come, Lord? Behold, we bewail a temporal loss. We labor
and fret for a small gain, while loss of the soul is forgotten and
scarcely ever returns to mind. That which is of little or no value
claims our attention, whereas that which is of highest necessity is
neglected -- all because man gives himself wholly to outward things. And
unless he withdraws himself quickly, he willingly lies immersed in
externals.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-a-kempis/do-not-be-concerned-about-outward-things/
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