The World, the Flesh and the Devil
September 15
(From the Leimonarion: On Thoughts)
By Archpriest Victor Guryev
September 15
(From the Leimonarion: On Thoughts)
By Archpriest Victor Guryev
There are temptations that draw us to sin. These temptations cannot come from God: He is holy, righteous, and every sin is repugnant to Him. They always come from the flesh, from the world and the devil. The flesh nourishes within itself the seeds of sinful desires and passions; in the world, wicked morals and customs and a seductive way of life draw those who are unstable in piety to sin; and the devil was a murderer from the beginning, says the Savior Himself (John 8:44). These temptations continue throughout life, and even the Saints themselves are not free from them. One monk, who lived in the desert, tormented by the lust of the flesh, came to the Venerable Pachomios and told him about his inner battle. “Child,” the Venerable One answered him, “do not be surprised at this. Now you see me as an old man, for forty years I have not left my cell and I care for my salvation; yet even to this day, a similar struggle troubles me” ("Prologue", Sept. 15).
Knowing this, brethren, what should we do? We should constantly be attentive to ourselves, to our thoughts, intentions and deeds; be vigilant over ourselves and clothe ourselves in all those weapons which are indicated to us in the word of God against the enemies of our salvation. No matter how pious and good someone may be, let no one be self-confident and think that he is completely free from this or that sin. “I am dead to the world,” said an elder monk once to another elder. “You are dead,” the latter answered him, “but Satan is not dead yet; and therefore we must beware of him every hour. As a warrior, going out to battle, struggles courageously, not knowing beforehand whether he himself will fall or defeat the enemy, so a Christian must fight his enemies without fear, but also without self-confidence, placing all his hope in God” ("Prologue", Jan. 26).
Therefore, here on earth we are like warriors set to battle. Let us always have our spiritual weapons ready and with them go out to meet our enemies. Let us call upon the grace of God for help, and we will defeat them. And having conquered, at the general resurrection of all we will receive the reward that the Lord promises to the victors. "To him who overcomes," He says, "I will grant to sit with Me on My throne" (Rev. 3:21). Amen.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
