The Second Degree of Humility
The second degree of humility involves loving not one's own will and modeling actions on the Lord's will, leading to a reward and avoiding punishment.
St. Benedict of Nursia preaches on the second degree of humility, emphasizing the importance of not loving one's own will or seeking personal desires, but rather aligning actions with the example of Jesus who came to do the will of the Father. He highlights the idea that self-will leads to punishment, while obedience and constraint lead to a reward or crown.
Text
The second degree of humility is that a person love not his own will nor take pleasure in satisfying his desires, but model his actions on the saying of the Lord, "I have come not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" (John 6:38). It is written also, "Self-will has its punishment, but constraint wins a crown."
Sermon Outline
- The Second Degree of Humility
- Model your actions on the Lord's will
- The reward of humility
- Constraint leads to a crown
- Punishment awaits self-will
Key Quotes
“Self-will has its punishment, but constraint wins a crown.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“I have come not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Be mindful of your actions and make sure they align with the Lord's will, rather than your own desires.
- Understand the consequences of following your own desires and the rewards of following the Lord's will.
- Strive to model your actions on the Lord's example, as seen in John 6:38.