QUOTATION: Chastity

A chaste man is someone who has driven out bodily love by means of divine love, who has used heavenly fire to quench the fires of the flesh.

--St. John Climacus

QUOTATION: Worldliness is Incompatible with Holiness

As it is an impossibility, to have our eyes raised towards Heaven and fixed on the earth at -the same time, so is it impossible that a person who is attached to the things of earth should love those of Heaven.

--St. John Climacus

QUOTATION: Becoming Chaste

Do not imagine that you will overwhelm the demon of fornication by entering into an argument with him. Nature is on his side and he has the best of the argument. So the man who decides to struggle against his flesh and to overcome it by his own efforts is fighting in vain. The truth is that unless the Lord overturns the house of the flesh and builds the house of the soul, the man wishing to overcome it has watched and fasted for nothing. Offer up to the Lord the weakness of your nature. Admit your incapacity and, without your knowing it, you will win for yourself the gift of chastity.

--St. John Climacus

QUOTATION: Perseverance

Do not be surprised if you fall back into your old ways every day. Do not be disheartened, but resolve to do something positive about it; and, without question, the angel who stands guard over you will honor your perseverance.

--St John Climacus

QUOTATION: Self-Mastery

Control your appetites before they control you.

--St. John Climacus

QUOTATION: Obedience

If you ever are conscious of impulses, thoughts, and judgements opposed to obedience, though apparently good and holy, do not admit them on any account, but reject them promptly, as you would thoughts against chastity or faith.

--St. John Climacus