In observance of my Benedictine Monastic practices, on the last Friday of each month in 2019 we’re walking Saint Benedict’s 12 Steps of Humility. With each step we come closer to our spiritual transformation and the perfect love of God.
The fourth step of humility is that in obedience, under difficult, unfavorable or even unjust condition, our hearts quietly embrace suffering and endure it without weakening or seeking escape. ~ The Rule of Benedict
Be brave of heart and rely on God. ~ Psalm 27:14
Obedience often brings pain.
Last month in Humility Step Three we learned about obedience. Saint Benedict wants us to submit to our authority figures for the love of God imitating Christ who became obedient even to death. In other words, there are times our obedience may bring difficult or painful circumstances, that may be hard but yet they are in our best interest.
Be faithful to the end and you will experience life and deliverance. ~ Matthew 10:22 (TPT)
Living a pain-free life.
Benedict links obedience with patience. Something not taught much today. When facing difficult situations most of us don’t embrace the suffering quietly or without weakening. The minute there is any sort of stress we’re seeking an escape. Our escapes come in many forms: food, sex, drugs, alcohol, work, social media, shopping, gambling… Anything that can take our mind off our troubles can serve as an escape.
Persevere to the end.
By your steadfastness and patient endurance you shall win the true life of your souls. ~ Luke 21:19 (TPT)
Scripture tells us there will be challenges and struggles. But Jesus encourages us no matter what we’re experiencing, if we will endure, if we are faithful to the end, we will experience deliverance in this lifetime and certainly in the next.