Written as a guide for the brothers under his care, "The Rule of St. Benedict" written in the 6th Century continues to offer spiritual guidance today. One of Benedict's primary issues is to encourage the brothers to seek a humble life. He offers 12 steps to humility and likens it unto a ladder with each rung being a step towards growth in relationship to God and others. In reading the Rule and other works about Benedictine spirituality I've come up with my own translation of those steps to humility. I shared this years ago on a different site, but felt the need to share them again, primarily for myself, but perhaps there will be something on here to encourage you.
- Always keep the reverence of Almighty God before us.
- Submit to the will of Christ above our own desires.
- Submit to spiritual leadership.
- Persevere in our obedience and do not give in to the desire to give up.
- Confess to a spiritual leader.
- Realize our worth comes from God not our abilities or positions.
- Understand that this process is to deepen our relationship with Him.
- Follow your spiritual disciplines and your spiritual leader.
- Control our communication with others, what we speak or type.
- Be aware of what makes us laugh and ensure it’s not to the detriment of another.
- Use words with a sense of calm and awareness of their power.
- Realize humility is to become a normal part of our relationship with God and others.
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