Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Do not say that you are worthless, for this is a lie the enemy whispers to keep you idle. The Apostle Paul commands, "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat," not to crush you, but to rouse you from sloth that feeds despair. Stir yourself to seek employment with diligence, and in that labor you will find a measure of cheerfulness.
But why do you give your leisure to the trifles and filth of the online world, which are no better than the theatres of Satan? There the multitude pass the whole day, and retain every poison they have heard, while they cannot bear to tarry even a little time where God speaks. You trample precious things underfoot when you fill your mind with the unclean spirits of worldly amusement. Learn instead to sing psalms, and you will see the delightfulness of the employment. For they who sing psalms are filled with the Holy Spirit, as they who drink from those polluted streams are filled with darkness.
Bear the reproach you feel within, even if it seems unjust, as a tutor's discipline that trains you. And to you who are tempted to despair, I say, be not weary in well doing. God does not abandon the contrite heart. Turn from those online snares, and give even a little time to the words of God. Out of these opposites, your labor against idleness and your spiritual drink against worldly poison, He will work a wholesome restoration. Rise up, then, and let not your hands be idle, nor your heart neglect the psalms that bring the Spirit.
But why do you give your leisure to the trifles and filth of the online world, which are no better than the theatres of Satan? There the multitude pass the whole day, and retain every poison they have heard, while they cannot bear to tarry even a little time where God speaks. You trample precious things underfoot when you fill your mind with the unclean spirits of worldly amusement. Learn instead to sing psalms, and you will see the delightfulness of the employment. For they who sing psalms are filled with the Holy Spirit, as they who drink from those polluted streams are filled with darkness.
Bear the reproach you feel within, even if it seems unjust, as a tutor's discipline that trains you. And to you who are tempted to despair, I say, be not weary in well doing. God does not abandon the contrite heart. Turn from those online snares, and give even a little time to the words of God. Out of these opposites, your labor against idleness and your spiritual drink against worldly poison, He will work a wholesome restoration. Rise up, then, and let not your hands be idle, nor your heart neglect the psalms that bring the Spirit.
