Stability as a Christian Virtue

Introduction

As we live, we read daily in the news about political instability in certain parts of the world, and much about the general economic uncertainty many of us are immersed in. Our world still values political and economic stability. If we however get sidetracked by the present instability, we can take time to anchor ourselves well, so that we do not get caught up too much in the news. If you have opportunity to do spiritual reading aside from the news, you can learn that despite all that happens external to us, we can have an internal stability. Stability is also a state of soul, according to the book, "In the Heart of the City, In the Heart of God", by Pierre-Marie Delfieux. The author writes that stability is a Christian virtue which we can practice well, if we put some time for it.

Baptismal consecration: an indelible seal

In his book, Delfieux teaches that by our baptism, we belong once and for all to Christ. We have His name "written on [our] forehead and set on [our] heart". Belonging to God in baptism, we should not seek to loosen God's grasp on us. By our baptismal consecration, we must always keep Christ in mind, for we "have been marked with an indelible seal by the Spirit of the Promise" (paragraph #171). Simply by being aware that our baptism is once and for all and that we belong to Christ, our faithfulness to being Christian will steady our course and make steadfast our steps towards valuing the timeless Christian truths that have always been a source of life.

Constancy, perseverance, patient endurance

Delfieux also teaches that stability of soul lies in a life of constancy, perseverance, endurance in trials, and tenacity in ordeals. After having suffered a little from an ordeal, the God of all grace will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen us and make us unshakable. We should thus make it our aim to be calm, even-tempered, patient amidst life's vicissitudes, peaceful, firm in our hope and our faith in God, emotionally balanced, serene of heart, stable in our choices, and stable in our love of God. This we can achieve simply by taking moments to pause and to reflect on where we are at the moment. If we anchor our hopes in God, then God will provide the strength for us to persevere in any trial we may meet in life.

Stability of location

Delfieux is schooled in monastic spirituality. He therefore also advices stability of location for stability of soul. In this spirit, he teaches us to refuse any whim or caprice to be always out and about. He says in paragraph #172, "Happy are those who are not forever dreaming of other ways or other places, but try to put down firm roots where they are. Only thus will they bear fruit!" What Delfieux says is true knowing that being always on the move will make us forget what our long-term objective in life is about. However, if we settle for a place to stay more permanently, then we will not be tempted to go into so many different directions - causing confusion and disorientation.

Fidelity to God

Delfieux also teaches the importance of fidelity to God in our life commitments as a source of stability. He especially notes the life commitment that has been made and binds us till death. He writes to express this fidelity to God:

"Bearing fruit in perseverance,
Never tiring of marvelling about God.
Witnessing to the power of fidelity.
And let it be Your glory, Lord,
That my weakness in Your service holds firm!"

(quote from William of St. Thierry)

Conclusion

It is possible that even in the midst of any political or economic uncertainty, we can achieve a certain degree of stability of soul. All we need is to be reminded of our baptism in Christ, a life of constancy and patient endurance, a certain stability of location, and a level of fidelity to God and our responsibilities in life. If we practice these four and take it to heart then we can have that stability of soul that will help us remain steadfast amidst rapid changes and frenzied movements in our environment.