Lay down your will...

"In reality, all of us are inclined to do our own will and agree more readily with those who hold with our views.  But if we want to have the presence of God among us, then we must be willing to give up our own way in order to live in love and harmony with others.  Surely there are no persons so wise that they know everything."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Nine

On humble obedience...

"Go where you will, but you will never find rest except in humble obedience to the rule of your superior.  Many are deceived by thinking that a change of location will solve their difficulties."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Nine

Obedience

"To be obedient, to live under a superior--not seeking our own way--is great virtue.  It is safer to obey orders than to give them.  Many obey more out of necessity than for charity's sake.  These find it burdensome and complain easily; but they will never have liberty of spirit until they submit wholly to authority for the love of God."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Nine

Fault lines...

"Have charity for all; but familiarity is unwise.  Sometimes it happens that we know someone only by fame, but when we meet that person we are often disappointed.  And sometimes we think we please others by our presence, when in reality they come to dislike us because of the faults they see in us."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Eight

"Do not open your heart to everyone, cont…

  …rather associate yourself with those who are humble and have simplicity, who are devout and self-disciplined, talking with them about those things that will edify and strengthen the soul.  Do not be familiar with the opposite sex, but commend to God those who are good.   Desire to be on intimate terms with God and His Angels, but shun the acquaintance of people as much as you can."

The Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter 8

On the company we keep...

"Do not open your heart to everyone, but only to one who is wise, God-fearing, and who can keep your confidence.  Spend little time in the company of young people or with the inexperienced; do not flatter the rich or seek to be in the presence of the great without good reason."

The Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Eight

On thinking too highly of oneself...

"It will not hurt you to consider yourself worse than others, even if this is not really so; but it will hurt greatly if you prefer yourself above another, although that person might be a great sinner.  A humble person is a peaceful person; but the hearts of the proud are full of envy and resentment."

The Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Seven

On preserving humility

"Do not consider yourself better than others, for you may be worse in God's sight.  Do not be proud of your good works, for often what pleases us displeases God, Whose judgments differ from the judgments of humans.  Whatever goodness or virtue is in you, believe that your neighbor has better qualities; in this way you will preserve humility."

The Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Seven