Lay order and pride

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Kima

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Hi.

I think I would like to join the Secular Franciscans. An issue which I have are pride, and I´m afraid it would increase if I join the order. The reasoning behind that is that I´m concerned that if I make time to do something more than what regular laity do, as a layperson myself, I would think of myself as better (even tho my reasoning knows I´m not).

I feel like I want to join the order, but this is the concern holding me back in my discernment.

Thanks in advance.
 
Kima I wouldn’t worry too much about that, as if we start to think of ourselves as better than other people, God soon makes sure that we find ourselves humbled.
A Franciscan charism is humility, so rather than become proud in joining the Secular Franciscans, you may find that the Order will aid you in growing in humility.
 
Thank you, you made a good point.

I need to learn humility, and maybe I will if I follow that path. I also think it could potentially help me become less self-centered.

I will pray about it and figure out what to do, God always knows best.
 
The fear of being proud can be a deceptive block against growing closer to God and allowing Him to work in you in the particular charism that may be intended fo you.
The
The Secular Orders are a gift from God to those who are called to join, to help them grow closer to Jesus, to become more Christlike in their life. Remember the parable that Jesus told about those to whom God gave particular talents. Those who used their talents, were rewarded, whereas the one who feared, buried histalent and therefore profited nothing, and was not rewarded.

If you are called, please don’t allow fear of your weakness … we all have those … to block you from trusting God to lead you to Franciscan blessings and holiness.
 
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“A man who disputes against pride is proud.” St.Bonaventure

Another words, pride is something we all have to fight against every second of every day. If one doesnt think he is proud, he is proud already. The ladder of humility is never ending, we cannot be humble enough.

Your comments and concerns are Franciscan to begin with, you would make a good OFS. There is a concern about joining a 3rd order for sinful reasons of wanting to be better than others. If anyone has this intention, then change your intention to the love of God and love of neighbor.
 
You don’t need to join a third order or secular order to be holy or to go above and beyond in your spiritual life.

First you should discern whether you feel attracted to that particular spirituality and do some praying about it. And then discern whether you think God is calling you to it. Humility is much more pleasing to God than good works or membership to a religious order. You should probably talk to someone about it and pray about it.

I have read that a cartload of good works carried with pride leads to hell and that a cart load of sins carried by humility leads to heaven. I am not saying you really would be doing it out of pride. You need to pray about it. Of course you are not perfect and there is bound to be so e thought of self in your desire to be a secular Franciscan
 
Thank you all! Your comments are good and very much helpful.
Your comments and concerns are Franciscan to begin with, you would make a good OFS.
I appreciate that you say this! It´s heartwarming.
If you are called, please don’t allow fear of your weakness … we all have those … to block you from trusting God to lead you to Franciscan blessings and holiness.
That is so true. I shouldn´t let it stop me. I need to pray more and worry less.
 
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