By: Dn. Nicholas Park

Dn. Nicholas Park — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 02:46:43 +0000

Paul, I had the same thought when I heard Fr. Seraphim speak these words, but as I continued to listen, I realized that he was not saying what it first sounded like. Father would agree with what you have said; and by "character" he means precisely what you call "our desire for God to help us despite ourselves." Or, as he puts it in footnote 7 above, we have to want to want to be what he has made us to be.

By: Paul

Paul — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 03:38:15 +0000

I think this idea that God will not give you good character is inaccurate. We are all lacking in good character. Any strength in character we have comes from God, not ourselves. Indeed, one should pray to obtain good character - and God will hear your prayer. The morning prayers in the Jordanville prayerbook include the following supplication to our Saviour, Jesus Christ:: "O Christ, my Saviour, whether I will or not, save me. Make haste, quick, quick, for I perish." This is an important prayer because it recognizes our weak and sinful will (ie our character) - and yet our desire for God to help us despite ourselves. .

Comments on: You can’t be saved unless you have character. God will not give it to you. Text/Audio. Sunday of the Blind Man.

By: Dn. Nicholas Park

By: Paul