Humility How-to: Saint Benedict’s 12 Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem

Praise the Lord!
Oh, this is a fun one! There seem to be 12 steps to everything these days and recovery of some sort. How about recovery from pride, the most difficult of all the temptations? Once humility is mastered (is humility ever mastered?), all the other capital sins fall away as well. So why not start at the top with master spiritual director St. Benedict? I’ll tell you why… because we reallyDON’T want to be truly humble. It hurts, and it’s hard, and we want our own way, by gum…

Fr. J. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B. has written an awesome book on the subject “”Humility Rules, St.Benedict’s 12-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem. ” I thought I would list the 12 steps for you here, and in the book, he further breaks down each step into 3 parts. It is an easy and fun read on a hard subject with some very entertaining pictures.

Just please don’t hate me. I’m just the messenger…

Step 1: Be afraid – (Fear of God)
“Always have a fear of God before your eyes (Ps 36:2) and avoid all thoughtlessness so that you are constantly mindful of everything God has commanded. “

Step 2: Don’t be true to yourself. (Self-denial)
“”Do not be in love with your own will, but put into practice that word of the Lord which says: ”I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (Jn 6:38)””

Step 3: Don’t follow your dreams. (Obedience)
“”For the love of God, be obedient to those in authority over you, imitating the Lord, of whom the apostle says: He became ”obedient unto death.” (Phil 2:8) “

Step 4: Suffer fools gladly. (Perseverance)
“”Be patient in suffering, even when you encounter difficulties and injustice, for Scriptures says: ”He who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mt 10:22)””

Step 5: Put your worst foot forward (Repentance)
“Never hide any of the evil thoughts which arise in your heart or the evils you commit in secret. Instead, reveal them to someone you trust. for Scriptures says: ”Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him.” (Ps 37:5)””

Step 6: Besomeone’s doormat (Serenity)
“When ill treatment comes your way, try to accept it. Learn to be content with the lowliest and worst of everything and in all that is demanded of you. “

Step 7: Have a poor self-image. (Self-abasement)
“Believe in your heart that you are an unworthy servant of God, humbling yourself and saying with the Prophet: ”I am a worm and no man; scorned by men, and despised by the people.” (Ps 22:6) ” (Ouch…)

Step 8: Think inside the box. (Prudence)
“Only do what is lawful, and follow the example of your elders. “

Step 9:Don’t speak up. (Silence)
“”Only speak when you are spoken to, for Scripture says, ”When words are many, transgression is not lacking.” (Prov 10:19)””

Step 10: Laughter is not the best medicine. (Dignity)
“Do not be too quick to laugh, for it is written, ”A fool raises his voice when he laughs.” (Sir 21:20)””

Step 11: Be unassertive (Discretion)
“If you must speak, do so gently, humbly, earnestly, and quietly, with few and sensible words; for it is written: ”The wise man is known by the fewness of his words.'”

Step 12: Keep your chin down. (Reverence)
“Wherever you go, bow your head in prayer, remembering the words of the publican: ”God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Lk 18:!3)””I’ve been going through these steps LIVE on my F.B. page at 8:30 am CST and on my YouTube channel at 9:00 am CST; you’d like to hear my comments and interact with me. Please join me!

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