The greatest danger in studying Theology is that our studies can be an end in themselves, rather than a means of encountering the living God. Here, A Kempis makes us reflect on the relationship between Theology and the life-transforming love of God:
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What will it profit thee to argue profoundly respecting the Holy Trinity, if thou hast not humility, and art, therefore, displeasing to the Holy Trinity?Profound words do not make a man holy and just; but a virtuous life maketh him dear to God.
I had rather feel compunction* than be able to give the definition of it.
If thou knewest the whole Bible by heart and the sayings of all the philosophers, what would all that knowledge profit thee without the love of God and without his grace?
"Vanity of vanities, and all is vanity," except to love God and serve Him only.
This is the highest wisdom, by contempt of the world to press forward towards the kingdom of heaven.
From The Imitation of Christ Chapter 1:3
* In case you were wondering, compunction can be defined as "as sense of sin or guilt". But do you feel it?
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