Abstinence Quote by John of Kronstadt
“How will it be with us in the future life, when everything that has gratified us in this world: riches, honors, food and drink, dress, beautifully furnished dwellings, and all attractive objects-how will it be, I say, when all these things leave us-when they will all seem to us a dream, and when works of faith and virtue, of abstinence, purity, meekness, humility, mercy, patience, obedience, and others will be required of us?”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: Spiritual Reflections, 19th century Russian Orthodox Church
The passage questions how earthly comforts and virtues will matter after death, urging focus on lasting spiritual values over material wealth.
In simple terms: Earthly comforts fade; spiritual virtues endure.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize lasting spiritual virtues.
Themes
mortality
spirituality
materialism
virtue
afterlife
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
religious
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- preparing for death
- ethical decision making
- spiritual counseling
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
theology
ethics
philosophy of death
Questions to Reflect On
- What virtues will you carry beyond life?
- How do you balance worldly duties with spiritual growth?
A Different Perspective
Material comforts can still provide genuine comfort in life, making the dichotomy complex.
![“The fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things…” quote by Joyce Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/185/joyce-meyer-123_holy-spirit_the-fruit-of-the-holy-spirit-the-work-wh_140522.jpg)
![“The heart becomes sick, as the body becomes sick, and its remedy is al-Tawbah (repentance) and protection [from transgression]. It becomes rusty as a mirror becomes rusty, and its clarity is obtained by remembrance. It becomes naked as the body becomes naked, and its beautification is al-Taqwa. It…” quote by Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/454/ibn-qayyim-al-jawziyya-10803_als_the-heart-becomes-sick-as-the-body-becom_66500.jpg)
