October 8 – Thomas à Kempis: Devotion Above Formalism

Not every pre-Reformation figure was a fiery reformer or a martyr. Some, like Thomas à Kempis, prepared the way for renewal by pointing Christians back to the heart of personal devotion. His famous book, The Imitation of Christ, became one of the most widely read devotional works in history, shaping believers for centuries. While Thomas did not challenge the doctrinal errors of his age as boldly as Wycliffe or Hus, he reminded the church that true Christianity is not empty ritual but a living relationship with Christ.

Early Life and Monastic Calling

Thomas was born in 1380 in Kempen, near Cologne in Germany. As a young man, he joined a religious community known as the Brethren of the Common Life. This group emphasized simplicity, humility, education, and practical piety rather than clerical power or wealth.

Ordained as a priest, Thomas spent much of his life in the monastery of Mount St. Agnes in the Netherlands. There, he devoted himself to copying the Scriptures by hand, training young priests, and writing spiritual reflections. He lived a quiet life, far from the political controversies that engulfed many reform-minded figures.

The Imitation of Christ

His most enduring legacy is the devotional classic The Imitation of Christ. Written in Latin and circulated widely across Europe, it called believers to cultivate humility, forsake worldly vanities, meditate on Christ’s suffering, and pursue holiness.

Its central message was simple: outward religion is worthless without inward devotion. “At the Day of Judgment,” Thomas wrote, “we shall not be asked what we have read, but what we have done; not how well we have spoken, but how religiously we have lived.”

Theology of the Heart

Thomas à Kempis’s theology was not revolutionary in the way Wycliffe’s or Luther’s would be, but it contained vital correctives for a church that had grown bloated with ritual and corruption. His emphases included:

• Imitating Christ: True discipleship means following Jesus in humility and obedience.

• Inner Piety over Outward Show: Faith is measured not by ceremonies but by the heart’s devotion.

• Meditation on Scripture: He urged Christians to read, meditate on, and obey God’s Word.

• Eternity in View: His writings continually reminded readers to prepare for death and the judgment to come.

Although Thomas accepted many medieval Catholic teachings, his focus on personal holiness resonated with reformers who would later call for a return to the simplicity of biblical Christianity.

Widespread Influence

The Imitation of Christ quickly became a bestseller of the medieval world, copied by hand and later printed in thousands of editions. It influenced leaders as diverse as Ignatius of Loyola, John Wesley, and countless Protestant pastors. Its enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt call to devotion, stripping away distractions and pointing believers to Christ Himself.

Limitations

At the same time, Thomas’s writings reveal the limitations of pre-Reformation spirituality. He did not clearly articulate justification by faith alone or reject unbiblical teachings like the mass or indulgences. His spirituality leaned toward introspection, sometimes neglecting the objective truths of the gospel.

Still, God used his writings to stir a hunger for sincerity and holiness, softening hearts that would later receive the clearer gospel of grace.

Biblical Reflection

Thomas’s message aligns with the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:29:

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

For Thomas, the Christian life was defined by this humble learning from Christ, not merely by attending services or performing rituals.

Application for Today

The life and writings of Thomas à Kempis offer valuable lessons for us:

1. Guard Against Empty Formalism – It is possible to attend church, sing hymns, and participate in ceremonies without a heart devoted to Christ. God desires our obedience and love, not outward ritual alone.

2. Pursue Humility and Simplicity – Thomas called believers to live simply and humbly, following Christ’s example. In a world obsessed with status, this remains a radical call.

3. Make Devotion a Daily Priority – His book emphasized daily meditation on Christ’s Word and character. Modern believers, with endless distractions, need this same focus.

Conclusion

Thomas à Kempis may not have been a reformer in the doctrinal sense, but his voice prepared the church for renewal. He reminded believers that Christianity is not primarily about power, wealth, or ritual, but about walking humbly with Christ. His life calls us to examine our own: are we merely religious, or are we truly devoted to the Lord?

In an age of distraction and superficiality, The Imitation of Christ still challenges us to pursue holiness and devotion. And though Thomas did not see the full dawn of the Reformation, his call to genuine discipleship helped prepare hearts for the gospel light that would soon shine more clearly.