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Anthony the Great: Sensible – Generosity Monk

Anthony the Great: Sensible

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But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

“A good man does not sell his inner freedom for money, even if he happens to be offered a huge sum. For things belonging to this life are like a dream, and the fantasies of wealth are uncertain and short-lived. Those who are truly men must endeavor to live with holiness and love of God, so that their holy life shines before others.

Since men take pains to decorate white garments with narrow purple stripes which stand out and attract attention, how much more assiduously should they cultivate the virtues of the soul. Sensible people should examine carefully both their strength and the degree of alertness of their soul’s powers; in this way they should make ready to resist the passions in accordance with the strength implanted in their nature by God.

It is self-control which resists beauty and all desire harmful to the soul, it is fortitude which resists pain and want; it is forbearance which resists abuse and anger; and so on. A man cannot become good and wise immediately, but only through much effort, reflection, experience, time, practice and desire for virtuous action. The man who is good and enjoys the love of God, and who truly knows Him, never ceases to do ungrudgingly all that accords with His will. Such men are rare.”

Anthony the Great (251-356) in Philokalia V1.335.

Are you sensible? Let’s take a test to find out. How much time each week do you spend, in Anthony’s words, cultivating the virtues of the soul and in reflective action?

Now calculate another number. How much time do you spend pursuing the fantasies of wealth, beauty, and desires harmful to the soul? These are short-lived objectives.

Now let me go one step further. If you asked a friend to assess your progress, what would they say. Does your holy life shine before others through your ungrudging service?

Or do your narrow purple stripes or, in modern terms, your house, car, clothing, and other possessions communicate more than basic food and covering?

What needs to change in your life to rank among the rare and to appear smart and sensible?