We must do all that lies within our strength. Everyone exerts all their energies on bodily labors and only a few drowsy moments are left for the spiritual. How can this be right? Remember the words of Our Savior:
"Seek ye first the Kingdom of God" (Matt 6:33). This is a commandment like any other, such as
"Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Ex 20:13,14) and the others. The transgression of this particular commandment can often bring more harm to the soul than an occasional downfall. It unnoticeably cools the heart, making it insensitive, and often leads it to spiritual death.
"Let the dead bury their dead" (Matt 8:22). Those whose souls are dead, lacking in spiritual feeling and without a burning desire to follow the commandments, those who are neither hot nor cold - it is these whom the Lord threatens to
"spew out of His mouth" (Rev 3:15-16).
+Abbot Nikon (Vorobiev), from
Letters to Spiritual Children, letter #3, dated 1949.
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