It is not for nothing that the life of an Orthodox Christian is compared to a path, a road, a path. Having once accepted Christ into our hearts, for the rest of our lives we try to get closer to God, to become like Him in words, actions, thoughts, so that in the end we can unite with him forever.
Belonging to a church does not mean automatically receiving wisdom, humility, and generosity. Yes, the Lord has blessed us with spiritual gifts, but their development is daily painstaking work. Not everyone is able to do it on their own.
That is why we need the support of the community, pastors, we need examples on which to rely.
The saints whom the Russian Orthodox Church reveres are not god-like beings. These are ordinary people whose faith allowed them to travel the path of spiritual improvement further than many others. Their spirituality rose to such heights that they became an example for other people. Getting acquainted with the lives of the saints, touching your soul with the light left after them is the basis for our growth in Christ.
This is why the Holy Land Foundation considers pilgrimage trips to holy places the basis of spiritual and moral education. Such trips not only strengthen faith, they develop the moral foundations of the individual, and introduce them to the cultural traditions of Orthodoxy.
Our entire culture has developed from religious worship. First pagan, and then Christian. Russian music originated in the church, portraiture grew out of icon painting, architecture is inextricably linked with churches and monasteries. What can we say about writing — the monks, wanting to share the Good News, gave us the alphabet.
How over the centuries people have tried to express their attitude towards God, their love for him and their perception of the divine can also be traced in pilgrimage trips to holy places. It is easier to understand what served as the basis of our values, determined morality and formed the moral foundations of our culture by coming into contact with its manifestations in monasteries and churches.
Everything that a Christian encounters on his life’s path leaves its spiritual mark. Instruction from a confessor, reading spiritual or fiction literature, participation in family life, study, work… Everything is perceived by the human mind and reflected in the soul. The Holy Land Foundation makes it possible to get in touch with what is truly important. Something that reminds a person of his main responsibilities and tasks will encourage him to understand his soul, his inner world.
And along with this, not only internal, but also external changes begin in a person’s life. There is a gradual acquisition of values and life directions that are important for spiritual and moral life, and the departure of previous views that become alien. The birth of Christian consciousness is taking place. A person’s environment and his actions change. Often these changes are associated with internal struggle. Growing in faith is not easy. The human enemy does not sleep, sends trials, tempts with worldly temptations.
How to resist temptations and grow in faith
The church fathers, starting with the apostles, gave advice on how to resist the world and its temptations.
1. Choose your environment.
What you talk about, read, and think about is important for inner growth. The Apostle Paul wrote: “Finally, my brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any excellence or if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8). It’s hard to think good thoughts when you’re in the company of gossipers or drinkers.
2. Pray constantly
Prayer requires self-discipline. Choose a prayer rule that is within your power. Pray on the way to work, when you are walking, when you are stuck in a traffic jam. The Apostle Paul instructed: “Pray without ceasing” (Thessolonians 5:16)
3. Visit the temple.
Attending a church service is an opportunity to renounce the ordinary and join the heavenly.
4. Participate in the sacraments.
It is impossible to grow in faith if sins are not confessed. Confession and communion are part of the life of an Orthodox believer.
5. Read the Holy Scripture.
The Bible is a source of spiritual food for us. Just as we regularly consume food, spiritual food should be consumed constantly.
6. Choose a mentor
Questions and doubts are part of growing up in everyday life and in spirituality. It’s good to have someone to turn to for clarification, advice, or just to share your thoughts. It is important that this person himself has already advanced along the path of spirituality. A shepherd, elder or confessor is the best choice.
7. Do good deeds
The Gospel calls: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16)
By making mistakes, falling, but rising again, a Christian moves forward. It manifests a desire to understand, hear, see, feel the work of the Holy Spirit, to become a different, better person. be on fire in spirit; Serve the Lord.» (Romans 12:11)
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation views its activities as ongoing service to the Lord. Anyone can participate in this service. We collect donations to organize charitable pilgrimage trips to Holy places for those who cannot pay for them themselves. Contact us to find out how you can do a good deed, promote moral education, and introduce one or more people to Christian culture.
Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Investment in the Soul!
