As for Self-Will
Surrendering our self-will to God is essential for spiritual growth and avoiding the dangers of corruption and destruction.
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.
Text
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).
Sermon Outline
- The Forbidden Nature of Self-Will
- The Dangers of Self-Will
- The Presence of God in Our Desires
- God's omniscience and awareness of our desires
- The importance of humility and trust in God
Key Quotes
“Turn away from your own will” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“There are ways which seem right, but the ends of them plunge into the depths of hell” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Every desire of mine is before You” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- We must surrender our desires and intentions to God, trusting in His wisdom and guidance.
- We can overcome the desires of the flesh by trusting in God's presence and guidance.
- Humility and trust in God are essential for spiritual growth and avoiding the dangers of corruption and destruction.