GUIDELINES  FOR  SALVATION

Never miss any opportunity of giving spiritual instruction from what you yourself know well.  For good instruction is the source of all well-being.  It acts as a seed. A seed scattered on the soil sprouts and grows, and produces other fruit with seeds; good deeds from good deeds.              

Never deceive yourself by entertaining a high opinion of yourself. All pride is disgusting in God's sight; for God is drawn only to those who are humble.  The truth is that you are nothing, for no one has anything which God has not given gratis.             

Never complain about a situation you may willingly find yourself in, for nothing has ever happened, nor will anything ever happen, haphazardly.  Everything, except sin, occurs by God's will.  God does not want sin, but its consequential effect may not be sinful at all, and it is willed by God.             

God's justice upholds His will. Consequently, keep it clearly in mind when you are tempted to commit sin, whether mortal or venial.  It is dreadful to fall into the hands of the living God. (Heb.10.31)         

If unfortunately you happen to fall into sin, do not be dispirited by the thought of the awesome justice of God, but dwell on His mercy, the mercy of a Father who cannot turn away anyone who is truly repentant. 

Remember that God is merciful, but only towards those who fear Him.         It is not true that you are really contrite through God's grace if you do not hate what is disgusting to God, but rather seek what people cherish. 

Worldly people are after the pleasures of the senses, money, honours and a high prestige that the world gives them.      

Remember that God fills everywhere with His Presence, and that you are in Him as the fish that lives, moves and swims in water.  If you keep this in your mind, it will be impossible for you to sin.  For awesome is the Lord, and awe-inspiring are the works of His Hands.        

You may be sure that you have not yet surrendered your heart to God if you willingly do what merely pleases your nature and your own heart.  God commands us to give our heart wholly to Him.  You would be sure to have done this when you mortify yourself continually, when you deny yourself.     

 Spiritual Directory by St.George Preca, the Maltese Saint.