The first fundamental virtue that St. John Climacus identifies, Obedience, is, as I shared in the last issue, first to God. Obedience, however, does not really stop there. In the broader sense of virtue, our obedience is to be extended to all people. It means more than taking orders. An obedient person truly considers nothing beneath him. Being the companion of humility, obedience can be seen as the imitation of Christ. To acquire obedience is to follow Christ and become the servant of all. If obedience is real and sincere, it bestows upon us the peace from above. If we practice it ungrudgingly (even if we do not like what we have been asked to do), we will find inner stillness and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will be ours.

An obedient heart does not seek to please itself, nor does it yearn to get the upper hand. It is not concerned with winning arguments or coming out looking mightier, cleverer or in any way better than another.

St John exhorts us in this manner:

Your tongue longs to jump into argument, but restrain it. Hold back your mind, so busy with its own concerns, so ready to turn to the reckless criticism and condemnation of your brother.

Thus obedience is no passiveness, but humble action that emanates from a soul that is calm, peaceful silence and real inward stillness.

St. John recommends that those who are serious about spiritual growth find someone who they feel they can confide in and can help them focus their efforts. This is typically someone who believes that spiritual growth is truly   important, believes in a loving God and desires to support you in your growth. It should not be a person who thinks they have all of the answers. Remember that your spiritual growth is very personal and unique and must flow from you and not someone else.