The closer a person draws to God, the smaller he sees himself, and the greater he sees God.
Pride persuades a person that he has already attained something. Grace, however, reveals the boundless beauty of God and how far there still is to go. For this reason, those who advanced the furthest in holiness considered themselves not great, but the least of all people.
To remain little before God does not mean despising your life or the gifts you have received. It means recognizing that every good thing you possess is His gift. Just as the moon has no light of its own but reflects the light of the sun, so the soul shines only when it receives the light of Christ.
Guard yourself against the thought that you understand everything or have conquered every passion. The moment a person ceases to watch over himself, he begins to fall. But the one who remains humble continues to learn, to repent, and to receive grace upon grace.
Do not seek to be considered great in the eyes of others. Seek to remain little before God. The one who humbles himself loses nothing; rather, he makes room in his heart for the fullness of grace. God fills the vessel that has emptied itself of self.
“Whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4)
