Each month in THE 12 STEPS OF HUMILITY we are climbing Saint Benedict's ladder of humility. With each rung we come closer to the perfect love of God.
To begin our heavenly climb we must humbly bow down and recognize the Presence of God in our lives.
Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. ~ Proverbs 1:7
When we recognize God's Presence, have a healthy, reverential fear of the Lord and give Him reign over our daily lives, we will find the freedom that comes from accepting our proper place in the universe.
One of the biggest challenges is keeping our self-worth in proper perspective. Without putting ourselves down in our weaknesses or puffing ourselves up in our strengths, we see ourselves as God sees us, gifts and flaws alike. We must face our reality.
To get me back to reality took getting life ripped out from under my feet. Only then was I able to look up and start rebuilding my life based on who God says I am rather than who I thought I was in my own fantastic imaginations.
Realize it or not, God is always present in our lives and aware of every thought. It's not hard to imagine God with us when we are being good. But to think of Him with us when we were doing something bad is uncomfortable.
When we recognize God's presence and put ourselves behind His lead we are less likely to fall.
RESOURCES:
The Rule of Saint Benedict by Saint Benedict, Edited by Timothy Fry, O.S.B.
Twelve Steps to Inner Freedom: Humility Revisited by Joan D. Chittister
The Twelve Steps of Humility and Pride by Bernard of Clairvaux
Living in the Truth: Saint Benedict's Teaching on Humility by Michael Casey
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