Living in the world

 

Some people who were living carelessly in the world, have asked me: “We have spouses and families and we are surrounded with social and earthly cares. Then how we follow a life close to Christ like the one that the monks live?” I replied to them: “Do all the good you can; do not speak evil of anyone; do not steal from anyone; do not lie to anyone; do not be arrogant towards anyone; do not hate any one; be sure you participate to the church services; be compassionate to the ones who are in need; do not scandalize anyone; do not destroy another person’s domestic happiness and be faithful to your spouse. If you behave in this way, you will not be far from the Kingdom of Heaven.”

 

St. John the Climacus