no less danger than the other soldiers, anyone else, but he cannot
defend himself. He is carrying the flag and must not allow it to leave
his hands, even if he is getting cut to pieces.
Christians need to hold the cross of Jesus High. It is our duty to
suffer with Christ. This is a duty with high honor. Think about it! If
the standard-bearer lets the flag fall, the battle will be lost. The other
soldiers can retreat if they must and no one will notice. They have no
loss of honor. But everyone is looking at the flag for inspiration.
It must hold its ground. This is a noble assignment. The king gives
great honor to anyone who accepts it. It is a serious obligation.
True humility consists in being satisfied with what we are asked to
do. Do your assigned task with good cheer. Let others do their jobs.
Some so us want to ask God for favors. Do you call that humility?
Spiritual progress has nothing to do with having the most answers
to prayer, or with raptures, visions, and favors from the Lord. We
won't know the value of those things until we die. The thing I have
been describing for right now.
The Lord knows us as we really are. He gives each of us work to
do. He understands what is most appropriate for us, what will be
helpful to him, and what will be good for others. Unless you fail to
prepare yourself for your assignment, you can be sure it will be
successful.
Who is Teresa of Avila? Teresa of Avila, March 28, 1515-October 4,
1582) was a major figure in the Catholic reformation as a prominent
Spanish mystic, writer and monastic reformer. She was known for
continual prayer and ecstatic visions. Many later theologians were
influenced greatly by her autobiography, The Way of Perfection, and
the work, Interior Castle. These works still inspire and provide
spiritual guidance to Christians today.
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