The Imitation of Christ

One of my wife's and my favorite spiritual books (her favorite) is Thomas a' Kempis' Imitation of Christ. Online version. Book version. I cannot see how any Christian would not benefit greatly from this man's intimate knowledge of God and his skill in communicating that to others. Here is #10 under the heading "Of The Zealous Amendment Of Our Life":

Remember always thine end, and that time lost never returns. Without care and diligence thou shalt never acquire virtue.

If thou begin to wax lukewarm, it will begin to be evil with thee. 

But if thou give thyself to fervor of spirit thou shalt find much peace, and feel less labor, by reason of the assistance of God's grace and the love of virtue.

The fervent and diligent man is prepared for all things.

It is harder work to resist vices and passion, than to toil in bodily labors.

He that avoideth not small faults, by little and little falleth into greater.

Thou wilt always rejoice in the evening if thou have spent the day profitably. 

Be watchful over thyself, stir up thyself, admonish thyself, and whatever becometh of others, neglect not thyself.

The more violence thou usest against thyself, the greater shall be thy profiting.  

Amen.

This is just a small part of the book. Hopefully, the simplicity of his words will whet your appetite to read this classic for yourself.