Abba Moses asked Abba Sylvanus, Can a person lay a new…
“Abba Moses asked Abba Sylvanus, Can a person lay a new foundation every day? The old man replied, If you work hard, you can lay a new foundation every moment. Abba Pimen said, To throw yourself before God, not to measure your progress, to leave behind all self-will; these are the instruments for the work of the soul. The desire to rule is the mother of heresies.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Continuous effort builds a new spiritual foundation; humility and surrender are essential.
In simple terms: Work hard, stay humble, trust God.
Key Takeaway
Practice daily humility and effort.
Themes
spirituality
discipline
humility
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
Type
religious
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- community service
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
theology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you measure inner progress?
- What does surrender look like daily?
A Different Perspective
Hard work alone may not guarantee spiritual growth.