Lesson 1: The value of spiritual things
“All things without this are vanity… we have no other business than to know, love, and serve God.”
1. The Supremacy of Spiritual Things
Doctrine: Spiritual perfection—union with God through love—is more valuable than all earthly riches and honors.
Key Idea:
Everything in the world is worthless compared to knowing and loving God.
Supporting Scriptures:
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Wisdom 7:7 — Wisdom preferred over riches
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Philippians 3:8 — “I count all things as loss… for Christ”
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Colossians 3:14 — Love is the bond of perfection
Theological Principle:
Ultimate good is found in God alone, and all earthly goods must be subordinated to spiritual growth and union with Him.
2. Esteem Determines Desire and Action
Doctrine: What we value most determines what we pursue most.
Key Idea:
If we value spiritual things highly, we will desire them deeply and work hard to obtain them.
Supporting Scriptures:
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Matthew 13:45 — Merchant seeking precious pearls
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Jeremiah 9:23 — True glory is knowing God
Theological Principle:
The will follows the understanding—our choices and efforts reflect what our hearts truly esteem.
3. True Religion is Measured by Virtue, Not Talent
Doctrine: Holiness, humility, and virtue are more important than intelligence, success, or external achievements.
Key Idea:
God values who we are (our virtue), not what we accomplish outwardly.
Supporting Scriptures:
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Luke 10:20 — Rejoice your names are in heaven
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Matthew 16:26 — Gain the world, lose the soul
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Matthew 6:33 — Seek first the kingdom of God
Theological Principle:
Interior holiness outweighs external success, because God judges the heart and spiritual growth above all achievements.
4. Spiritual Discipline Must Be Prioritized
Doctrine: Spiritual exercises (prayer, reflection, self-examination) must never be neglected, even because of work or duties.
Key Idea:
Without spiritual discipline, the soul weakens and loses progress.
Supporting Scriptures:
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Psalm 101:5 — Spiritual neglect weakens the soul
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Ecclesiasticus 18:22 — “Be not hindered from prayer always”
Theological Principle:
Spiritual life requires nourishment, just as the body needs food—without consistent prayer and discipline, growth is impossible.
Applicable Reflections
Self-Examination Questionnaire:
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Do I value spiritual growth more than success, recognition, or talent?
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What do my daily efforts reveal about what I truly value most?
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Do I neglect prayer or spiritual practices because of busyness?
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Am I more focused on becoming holy or becoming successful in the world?
Spiritual Application:
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Reorder priorities — place spiritual growth above work, study, or reputation.
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Guard your time — protect time for prayer and reflection daily.
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Practice humility — focus on virtue rather than recognition or talent.
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Examine your desires — train your heart to value what God values.
What does Rodriguez have to say?
"...a little clay and ordure, as the same Apostle said: I count all things as ordure and refuse in view of gaining Christ (Phil. iii. 8). This is a main means for gaining perfection: at the rate in which that esteem grows in our hearts, at the same will our perfection grow, and the whole house and the whole order."
Alphonsus Rodriguez, The Practice of Perfection and Christian Virtues, trans. Joseph Rickaby, Vol. I (Chicago: Loyola University Press, 1929), p. 3.