Advice to Those Living in the World...

From Step 1 of the Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus: Some people living in the world have asked me:  “We have spouses and are beset with social cares, and how can we lead the spiritual life?”  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 anyone; do not be absent from the divine services; be compassionate to the needy; do not offend anyone; do not wreck another man’s domestic happiness, and be content with what your own spouses can give you.  If you behave in this way, you will not be far from the Kingdom of Heaven.”