On Pride, Self-Reproach, and Humility
Never become overconfident in yourselves; never accept the thought that you are good and virtuous. Reproach yourselves; accuse yourselves inwardly in order to slay your ego, which is the wall that blocks the Sun of Righteousness, Christ, so that His rays do not reach us to illumine our nous with the knowledge of God and of self.
Love humility in everything, for our Jesus showed the example for us. When? when He girded Himself with a towel and washed the feet of His disciples and said, “Do you know what I have done to you?” (Jn. 13:12). That is, just as I humbled myself by washing your feet, you too should humble yourselves to one another.
Selected from Counsels from the Holy Mountain the Letters and Homilis of Elder Ephraim.
Comments (1)
This is a constant struggle, isn’t it? My life’s history is living proof that pride truly does come before the fall
. Every day, I have to remind myself how treacherous my own heart really is, and watch out for false humility…while seeking brokeness before God. Sooo tough! 