Episode 93 -- Imitation of Christ III.55 -- On the Corruption of Nature and the Power of God’s Grace

In chapter 55, Thomas a Kempis distinguishes the corruption of human nature from the power of God's grace. Because of original sin, our nature has evil propensities, which draw us to sin. One of the consequences of original sin is the lack of order in the powers of our soul. Our nature is not totally corrupt. We still have a longing for God, but uncontrolled self-love so often makes us forget the primacy of God. We forget that our true selves are only found in him. But along side our tendency to sin is the dynamic power of God's grace that inspires us and leads us to live like God. We need God's grace at the beginning of every good work, during every good work, and at the completion of every good work. Apart from Christ and his grace, we are nothing in the supernatural order.