Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Only godly works, that is, whatever works were done for the love of God, will never burn out, but will shine for a person so that he may ascend the path to reach the throne of God.

Take a look at death, my child, which reaps everyone. All human things melt and burn out like a candle. Only godly works—that is, whatever works were done for the love of God—will never burn out, but will shine for a person so that he may ascend the path to reach the throne of God. Work the deeds of salvation, even if it takes great effort. Everything will be counted as a struggle, as ascesis, and as resistance to the devil, and your due reward will be definitely given to you. Compel yourself. Bear in mind your departure, your death, the toll-houses, and the fearsome judgment of God. Think about hell and the damned, my child. Count yourself as one of them also, and then all your sorrows will seem like nothing to you, and a sweet consolation will come upon your entire soul.

Elder Ephraim of Arizona