classic Saturday

Beware. The following devotion is not a common teaching among the Church today. Benedict of Nursia (480-543), known for his writing of The Rule, gives feel good spirituality a 1,2 punch in his Call to Ascend the Ladder of Humility.

Step 1: Reverence for God

"The first step of humility is to have a constant reverence for God before our eyes. We must shun our tendency of forgetfulness and be always mindful of God's commands. Consider in your mind how those who despise God will burn in hell for their sin, and that life everlasting is prepared for those who have reverence for God."

Step 2: Doing God's Will

Step 3: Obedience to Others

Step 4: Enduring Affliction

Step 5: Confession

Step 6: Contentment

.."We are to be content with the meanest and worst of everything. In all things we must be mindful of our lowliness, considering ourselves to be lowly and meek, knowing that though we have nothing in this life, the Lord is always present with us."

Step 7: Self-Reproach

"The seventh step of humility is when we declare with our tongue and believe in our inmost soul that we are the lowliest and vilest of all, humbling ourselves and saying with the Psalmist, 'But I am a worm, and I am the reproach of all, the outcast of the people.' The Scriptures teach us that it is good to be humbled so that we may learn God's commandments."

Step 8: Obeying the Common Rule

Step 9: Silence

"Withhold our tongue from speaking, keeping silence until we are asked. The Scriptures teach us that 'in the multitude of words there comes sin.' And further, 'A person full of speaking is not established in the earth.'"

Step 10: Seriousness

"The tenth degree of humility is when we are not easily provoked to laughter. For the Scriptures remind us, 'The fool exalts his voice in laughter.'"

Step 11: Simple Speech

"Speak with few and sensible words. We are to speak gently and not with a loud voice. Again, the Scriptures teach us, 'The wise man is known by the fewness of his words.'"

Step 12: Humble in Appearance

As you can see by a few of the steps that I spelled out, Benedict meant to do serious business with our prideful nature. Consider one relationship or circumstance in your life where you battle with a hard heart...with pride...with your ego. Consider entering into a time of prayer and reflection using these steps to allow God to soften and humble your heart in this area of your life.