The Ladder... thoughts from the Philokalia

I've been reading Texts on Commandments and Dogmas by St. Gregory of Sinai, as found in the Philokalia. Gregory describes the Ladders of monkhood with five rungs leading to perfection. I realize that it's unlikely anyone reading this is on the path to "monkhood", however, I have a sense that these steps are necessary for all as we pursue a deeper and more intimate relationship with God. If these are steps that cannot be skipped then I fear a great deal of individuals spend much time attempting to climb this ladder backwards. Here are the rungs listed from highest to lowest. (ie. we must begin with renunciation)

1. [the highest rung] Love. Of God and others.

2. Humility. This step toward humility is made possible only through the steps of renunciation, submission, and obedience. As a result the humility step is a natural movement for the one progressing upward.

3. Obedience - through subduing five passions.

• disobedience
• argumentativeness
• self-gratification
• self-justification
• high opinion of self

4. Submission. Submission to God and also to authorities we are under. Practicing submission allows us to more easily step toward obedience and humility.

5. [the lowest rung] Renunciation (of the world) - this step frees man from material things. Now... I 'm not the kind of guy that thinks we shouldn't own anything. I own plenty of stuff, probably too much. For me, renunciation means freedom from the bondage of covetousness; it means letting go of want; it's recognizing that this world has nothing for me.

Looking over the past several years of my journey I can see ways in which I have attempted to reach for the higher rungs without the active discipline of the lower rungs. On all occasions this was fruitless and frustrating. I found this simple diagram to be very helpful in understanding the journey toward loving God and others more completely. I share it in hopes that it will be of benefit to others.