The concept of obedience, often misunderstood in contemporary discourse, is a fundamental aspect of spiritual growth and virtuous living. It’s not merely a rigid adherence to authority but a voluntary surrender to a higher will, often represented by spiritual leaders or divine guidance.
The Essence of Obedience in Spiritual Life
Obedience, in the spiritual realm, transcends the simplistic view of submission to authority. It’s a voluntary offering of one’s personal will to a divine purpose, aligning with the will of God as conveyed through the Church, spiritual guides, or monastic leaders. This alignment is not a mere adherence to rules; it’s an exercise in deep faith and trust. Saints, revered for their spiritual insight, demonstrate this through their lives, embodying obedience as a natural extension of their devotion.
In contrast to the modern notion of autonomy, which often emphasizes self-determination and moral subjectivity, spiritual obedience is seen as a harmonious alignment with natural laws and divine intent. This alignment is not a suppression of the self but an elevation of it, moving beyond self-centeredness and arrogance. The saints understood this, opting for a path of humility and trust, recognizing that true autonomy is achieved through surrender to the divine.
Obedience in spirituality is intricately linked to humility, faith, and love. It’s not a blind submission but a conscious choice made in the light of divine grace and understanding. This approach transforms obedience from a burdensome duty to a liberating and fulfilling practice. It
‘s about embracing a selfless love for the divine, willingly relinquishing personal desires in favor of a higher purpose.
The saints exemplify this approach. They navigated their spiritual journeys with a profound sense of obedience, not out of fear or compulsion, but from a place of deep love and trust. This perfect obedience, rooted in love, represents the pinnacle of spiritual maturity. It is a state that is difficult to attain without divine grace, yet it remains an essential element in the pursuit of virtue and spiritual autonomy.
Furthermore, obedience in this context is not merely about submission but also encompasses hope, truth, and the avoidance of contention. It’s a holistic practice that involves honest self-reflection, a sincere commitment to spiritual guidance, and a vigilant avoidance of pride and conflict. These virtues, diligently practiced, pave the way for a deeper, more meaningful engagement with the spiritual life.
The Paradox of Obedience and True Freedom
Obedience, often perceived as a constraint on personal freedom, in the spiritual context, reveals a paradox. True freedom, as demonstrated by the saints, is found not in the unbridled pursuit of personal desires but in the voluntary denial of self for a greater good. This form of obedience is not a surrender to external authority but a choice made from a place of spiritual freedom and discernment.
The saints’ journey towards spiritual autonomy is marked by a conscious embrace of obedience as a pathway to liberation from the ego and its desires. This journey is counterintuitive to modern sensibilities, which often equate freedom with independence from external influence. However, in spiritual practice, obedience is understood as a form of self-offering, a voluntary crucifixion of personal will that leads to inner transformation and liberation.
The practice of obedience in spirituality goes beyond mere conformity. It involves an active engagement with faith, truth, and the relinquishing of personal will. This engagement is not passive; it requires active discernment, humility, and a commitment to spiritual growth. The saints, in their pursuit of virtue, embraced obedience not as a limitation but as a means to achieve spiritual autonomy, transcending the limitations of ego and personal desire.
In summary, obedience in the spiritual sense is a complex and nuanced concept. Far from being a sign of weakness or blind submission, it represents a profound strength and freedom. The saints, through their lives of obedience, demonstrate that true autonomy is achieved not through self-assertion but through self-surrender to a higher, divine will. This path of obedience, marked by faith, humility, and love, offers a transformative journey towards spiritual freedom and inner peace.
References
Benedicta Ward, “The Sayings of the Desert Fathers,” Cistercian Publications, 1984.
John Climacus, “The Ladder of Divine Ascent,” Paulist Press, 1982.
Kallistos Ware, “The Orthodox Way,” St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1995.
Maximus the Confessor, “Selected Writings,” Paulist Press, 1985.
Silouan the Athonite, “Saint Silouan the Athonite,” St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1999.
Thomas Merton, “New Seeds of Contemplation,” New Directions Publishing, 2007.