The seventh step of humility is that a man not only admits with his tongue but is also convinced in his heart that he is inferior to all and of less value.

The Rule of St. Benedict, 7:51

Now we are really getting into the hard stuff. A lot of modern Christianity has been infused with what has been termed “therapeutic moral deism”, a pseudo-self help, personal betterment scheme, akin to any other modern self-improvement plan. And a key part of this is a dismissal of any idea of self-critique, or really, anything less than absolute self-affirmation.

And I do get that, and agree that much of the church’s historical record on self-talk is pretty bad, and has been used to oppress. At the same time, there is also a strong Scriptural tradition of reminding ourselves that we are sinful, we are limited and mortal, and we do have a tendency to make mistakes and cause harm to others and the world around us. Reminding ourselves of this fact, as a way of providing a check on our tendency to seek power and dominate the world around us, becomes a good and important habit. We shouldn’t declare ourselves inferior as a way of tearing ourselves down, but as a way of reminding ourselves of our limits to do good and our ability to do harm.

The sixth step of humility is that a monk is content with the lowest and most menial treatment, and regards himself as a poor and worthless workman in whatever task he is given, saying to himself with the Prophet: I am insignificant and ignorant, no better than a beast before you, yet I am with you always (Ps 72 [73]: 22-23).

The Rule of St. Benedict, 7:49-50

The sixth step is a supremely difficult one in a world premised on success, achievement, and upward mobility. We all want to move up the organizational chart, to be noticed and rewarded for our efforts, and to break free of menial work. But, Christian humility demands otherwise. In order to humble ourselves, we must serve, and not just in ways that look good on social media and ask minimally of us. True Christian service is not glamorous or glorified, but happens in small moments, free of notice, and often in the form of tasks and service that is undesirable. We put ourselves on the road to Christian perfection when we serve with no expectation of reward or glory.