REMEMBER OUR SINS AND NOT VIRTUES WE THINK WE'VE ACQUIRED

"When people begin to praise us, let us hurry to remember the multitude of ours transgressions, and we will see that we are truly unworthy of that which they say and do in our honor."(St. John of the Ladder, Ladder, 22.42) But don't make a big deal in denying or affirming. Just says 'I hope God sees it so.'


Forget your good deeds as soon as possible ... Do not record them or speak of them, unless to instruct, for if you forget them, they will be known for all eternity.
"If you want the Lord to hide your sins, then don't talk to people about what kind of virtues you have. For as we relate to our virtues, so God relates to our sins." (St. Mark the Ascetic, Homilies, 2.135)

"Do not claim to have acquired virtue, unless you have suffered affliction, for without affliction, virtue has not been tested." (St. Mark the Ascetic, On the Spiritual Law)

"Let all involuntary suffering teach you to remember God, and you will not lack occasion for repentance."(St. Mark the Ascetic, “On the Spiritual Law) This is the wisest of sayings. Often we can fool ourselves, by penances we choose. But the penance that is most beneficial is the one we don't choose. We should deny ourselves to practice for involuntary tests.