Ascending the Heights Practicing Obedience Step 4 1.

To admire the labors of the saints is good; to emulate them wins salvation; but to wish suddenly to imitate their life in every point is unreasonable and impossible. 2. Let us not be surprised if, even after confession, we are still attacked, for it is better to war with pollutions (thoughts) than with conceit. Strip for the arena of spiritual confession of all your sins, you who wish to take on your neck the yoke of Christ 3. Few are healed without a physician. 4. It is dangerous for an inexperienced soldier to leave his regiment and engage in single combat. 5. When one speaks evil of his brother the elder orders his removal because he said he could not allow someone who has evil within the heart while he was fighting someone outside. 6. As iron to the smith, so I surrender myself in submission to you, Holy Father. 7. Obedience is the burial place of the will. Obedience does not earn us anything. Acts of obedience changes us and make us ready to receive the love which God has already given to mankind in Christ. Humility arises out of obedience. It is our own stubborn self-will which will keep us out of heaven. Obedience is the tomb of the will and the resurrection of humility 8. Hold the shield of faith in God with your trainer. Ward off every thought of unbelief. Slay every wish of your own. 9. Clad in the iron armor of meekness and patience. You can avert every insult, injury and missile. Helmet of salvation, you have your spiritual fathers protection through prayer. 10. Psalmody is a weapon. Prayer is wall. Honest tears are a bath. 11. Write the good deeds of the church indelibly in your heart because Satan will seek to erase the good and fill it with evil. 12. Be zealous with your soul, without sharing it with the least outwardly. In conclusion: How then can those living in the world not surrounded by perfect elders ascend to heaven through the practice of obedience. obey those in authority obey your father confessor submit to your friend and family members emulate the saints seek the advice of trusted friends Become a warrior for Christ. decide dedicate choose the playing field over the viewing stand Accomplish these and you will have ascended the fourth rung of the ladder!!