Desires Untamed

 

 

Unstoppable Desires

  WHEN a man desires a thing too much, he  becomes ill at ease. 

A proud and craving man never rests, whereas he who is poor and humble of heart lives in a world of peace. An unbeliever is quickly tempted and overcome in small, petty evils; his spirit is weak. In a strong measure inclined to sensual things; he can hardly ignore earthly desires. Hence it makes him sad to give them up; he is quick to anger if exposed. Yet if he satisfies his desires, remorse of conscience overwhelms him because he followed his passions and they did not lead to the peace he sought.  

True peace of heart, then, is found in resisting passions, not in satisfying them. There is no peace in the ordinary man, in the man given to 'thirsty' attractions, but there is peace in the devoted and spiritual man. 

From the old volume-The Imitation of Christ.