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  AS FOR SELF-WILL
  by St. Benedict of Nursia
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Summary: Surrendering our self-will to God is essential for spiritual
growth and avoiding the dangers of corruption and destruction.

Topics: "Surrender To God", "Gods Will"
Scripture References: Proverbs 16:25

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DESCRIPTION
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St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of surrendering our own
will to God, as instructed by Scripture and through prayer, seeking for
God's will to be done in us. He warns against following our own ways
that may lead to destruction and urges us to be cautious of our desires
that may be corrupted. St. Benedict encourages us to believe that God is
aware of all our desires and to submit them to Him.

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CONTENT
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As for self-will,

we are forbidden to do our own will

by the Scripture, which says to us,

"Turn away from your own will" (Eccles. 18:30),

and likewise by the prayer in which we ask God

that His will be done in us.

And rightly are we taught not to do our own will

when we take heed to the warning of Scripture:

"There are ways which seem right,

but the ends of them plunge into the depths of hell" (Prov. 16:25);

and also when we tremble at what is said of the careless:

"They are corrupt and have become abominable in their will."

And as for the desires of the flesh,

let us believe with the Prophet that God is ever present to us,

when he says to the Lord,

"Every desire of mine is before You" (Ps. 37[38]:10).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/st-benedict-of-nursia/as-for-self-will/
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