A summary of “On the Lowliness of the Mind” — A Homily by John Chrysostom

Beloved, hear me well: the greatest warfare in the Christian life is not with flesh and blood, but with the proud thoughts and lofty imaginations that rise up within the mind. The devil’s chief weapon is to inflate the heart with pride, making it despise others and resist God’s grace. Therefore, I exhort you to cultivate the lowliness of mind—true humility—which is the foundation of all virtue and the gateway to salvation.

Why is lowliness so precious? Because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). The proud man erects walls around his heart and shuts out the Spirit. He considers himself above correction, above charity, above the will of God. But the humble man opens himself like fertile soil, ready to receive the seed of grace and bear fruit.

Pride is the root of every sin. It was pride that cast down Satan from heaven. It was pride that first seduced our first parents and led to their fall. Pride blinds the mind to truth, hardens the heart against repentance, and sets the soul on a path to destruction. (Schaff: “Pride is the origin of all evil”; Sewell: “All sin springs from pride’s fountain.”)

Therefore, let us learn from the Lord Jesus, who humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7). Though He was God, He did not cling to equality with God, but emptied Himself for our sake. His humility was not weakness but strength; it was the power that broke the chains of death and opened the gates of heaven.

How do we cultivate this lowliness of mind? First, by recognizing our true condition. We are dust and ashes (Genesis 18:27), fragile and prone to sin. We are not self-sufficient but utterly dependent on God’s mercy. Let us not compare ourselves with others in pride, but with the righteousness of Christ in humility.

Second, by accepting correction willingly. The humble man does not flee from reproof but embraces it as medicine for the soul. He does not argue or justify himself but seeks to grow and amend. Remember how Nathan confronted King David. David did not excuse himself but repented with tears. This is the heart God desires.

Third, by serving others selflessly. To think of oneself as first is to fall; to esteem others better than oneself is to rise. The humble mind does not seek honor or recognition but rejoices in serving without reward. Christ taught us this: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).

Beware the subtle temptations of pride that come dressed in good works. The Pharisee prayed, “God, I thank You I am not like other men” (Luke 18:11). He was religious but proud, and his prayer was a stumbling block. The humble tax collector bowed his head, saying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner,” and went justified before God.

Lowliness of mind is not mere external modesty but an inward posture—a broken and contrite heart that trusts wholly in God’s mercy. It is freedom from arrogance, from boasting, from the desire to be first. It is the soil in which the virtues of patience, meekness, and love flourish.

Do you desire peace of soul? Lowliness of mind brings it. The proud are restless, always seeking praise and power, always troubled by offense. The humble find rest in God and harmony with neighbors.

Consider the Apostle Paul. Though filled with the Spirit, he called himself the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). He counted all things as loss for the sake of Christ. His greatness lay in his humility and dependence on God’s grace.

Finally, beloved, remember this: humility is a daily struggle. The mind naturally rises up in pride. Therefore, pray continually for the grace to be lowly. Put away every lofty thought. Take every thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Live in peace with all men, and do all things in love. Bear with one another’s weaknesses, forgiving as God in Christ forgave you. This is the way of the lowly mind—the way that leads to life eternal. To God alone be glory, now and forever. Amen.

Full Text Here: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1907.htm

As always, thank you for reading. Please keep me in your prayers and pray that God convicts us individually and as a nation of sin and righteousness.