Rule of Benedict 41

August 17, 2009

Verses 14-19  of the Rule of Benedict state similar to the previous verses focus on obedience:

But this very obedience will be acceptable to God and sweet to others only if what is commanded is done, not fearfully, tardily, nor lukewarmly, not with murmuring, nor with an answer showing unwillingness: for the obedience which is given to superiors is given to God, since God Himself has said: he one who hears you hears me (Luke 10:16). And this obedience ought to be given with a good will, because God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7)

For if the disciple obeys with ill will, murmuring not only with his lips but also in his heart,  even though he fulfill the command he will not be acceptable to God. For God sees the heart of the murmurer. And for such action he will gain no reward; rather he will incur the punishment due to murmurers, unless he amends and makes satisfaction.

Wow! Ouch! I knew it all along. Knowing and doing or not doing are different matters. Don’t complain in serving the Lord. Jesus also never did. Paul said in Philippians 2:14 that our actions, obedience and everything we set our minds on doing should be done without grumbling (other translations have murmuring, complaining).

When obedience is done unwillingly or halfheartedly the blessings of surrender are missing, humility is replaced with selfish desires, and we reject the blessings God and others want to bestow on us by giving some direction to our lives.

Prayer: Lord, have mercy on us and help us to replace murmuring with praise and gratitude. We confess it is thinking less highly of you when we have leaders we refuse to listen to. It is thinking too little of your gifts to us.


Posted by georges boujakly | Filed Under Obedience, St Benedict's Rule 

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