OBEDIENCE AND PURITY

Many years ago, a youth came to me seeming to be religious, quiet, and decent. Bitterly, he complained about adultery of the heart. He said, “I fast for long periods and cry during my prayers for the Lord to release me from the war of evil desire, but all is in vain. I always read the Bible and refrain from reading any cheap attractive books. I have no bad friends and do not see any bad attractions. What else can I do?”

I asked him, “What is your relationship with your parents?” He said that he always complains and argues with them. I had put my finger on the problem; he disobeys his parents, so his body does not obey the soul. He who does not have a good relationship with his family cannot control his inner feelings. This is the holy law: “‘Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise ‚that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” (Eph. 6:2-3). Since the meeting with this youth, I concluded that he who complains from evil desires must review his dealings
and relationship with his parents, brothers, relatives, colleagues, and employers. He who plants violence and disobedience will not reap anything but inner war and temptations.

Obedience and Sound Personality
Fr. Tadros Y. Malaty