Friday, October 10, 2014

A Voice from the Past - Gregory

But since often, when preaching is abundantly poured forth in fitting ways, the mind of the speaker is elevated in itself by a hidden delight in self-display, great care is needed that he may gnaw himself with the laceration of fear, lest he who recalls the diseases of others to health by remedies should should himself swell through neglect of his own health; lest in helping others he desert himself, lest in lifting up others he fall.

Gregory the Great, 540-604 AD, Pastoral Rule, Part IV, (translated by Rev. James Barmby, The Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, T & T Clark and Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1997, Second Series, Vol. XII, p.71)

Is there a danger that in doing what is good we may fall through pride in our own accomplishments? How can we avoid this? 

5 comments:

  1. Perhaps real transparent and accountable relationships would help? What do you think?

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  2. To have a such a relationship one must first be vulnerable and transparent. That said, I have not found many who are willing to reciprocate. Easier to talk about it than to do it.

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    1. I would have to agree with that. But I have found at least some who are willing. And that is start. I think it takes a strong view of grace to be willing to try.

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  3. So true Mike. Perhaps James had this in mind when he advised us to confess our sins to each other.

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