Forty Maxims

The Forty Maxims (some say 55) of Father Thomas Hopko. Some of them are really good!

• 1. Be always with Christ and trust God in everything.
• 2. Pray, fast and do acts of mercy.
• 3. Read the Scriptures regularly.
• 4. Read good books, a little at a time.
• 5. Practice silence, inner and outer.
• 6. Cultivate communion with the saints.
• 7. Be an ordinary person, one of the human race.
• 8. Live a day, even a part of a day, at a time.
• 9. Be honest, first of all with yourself.
• 10. Be faithful in little things.
• 11. Do your work, then forget it.
• 12. Do the most difficult and painful things first.
• 13. Face reality.
• 14. Be grateful.
• 15. Be cheerful.
• 16. Be simple, hidden, quiet and small.
• 17. Never bring unnecessary attention to yourself.
• 18. Listen when people talk to you.
• 19. Be awake and attentive, fully present where you are.
• 20. Think and talk about things no more than necessary.
• 21. Speak simply, clearly, firmly, directly.
• 22. Flee imagination, fantasy, analysis.
• 23. Flee carnal things at their first appearance.
• 24. Don’t complain, grumble, murmur or whine.
• 25. Don’t seek or expect pity or praise.
• 26. Don’t compare yourself with anyone.
• 27. Don’t judge anyone for anything.
• 28. Don’t try to convince anyone of anything.
• 29. Don’t defend or justify yourself.
• 30. Be defined and bound by God, not people.
• 31. Accept criticism gracefully and test it carefully.
• 32. Give advice only when asked or when it is your duty.
• 33. Be strict with yourself.
• 34. Be merciful with yourself and others.
• 35. Do nothing for people that they can do for themselves.
• 36. Have a healthy, wholesome hobby.
• 37. Have no expectations except to be fiercely tempted to your last breath.
• 38. Endure the trial of yourself and your faults serenely, under God’s mercy.
• 39. When you fall, get up immediately and start over.
• 40. Get help when you need it, without fear or shame.

HT: Catalystspace