Concerning discernment the Lord said:
“Beware of false prophets and false teachers, who come dressed as
sheep…”. And, “Into the kingdom of God shall not enter he who says to me,
“Lord, Lord,” but he who does the will of my heavenly Father.” “Be like
experienced bankers, who know which is genuine and which is false'” “No
man can be a servant to two masters…” Also, “;Do not labor for the perishable
food that temporarily sustains, but for the food that nourishes permanently for
eternal life.” And the Apostle says: “I therefore run so that I know well what I
seek and how I shall attain it, so that I do not do boxing like one who beats the
air, but by hard exercises I harden my body and enslave it.” “So run like this,
so that you may win the prize.” “Take good care how you live.” “Beware of
those who do harm by their actions.”; And another: “Whoever eats and drinks
the Body and Blood of the Lord in an unworthy manner, without
acknowledging them, eats and drinks his own damnation… If we began by
examining ourselves, we would not draw God’s punishment. But when the
Lord chastises us, he educates us in such a way that we do not suffer the final
condemnation with the world.” “Regret, when dealt with according to God’s
will, leads to repentance. On the contrary, sorrow that comes from human
problems leads to death” “Be able to discern what is the will of God, that
which is good and pleasing to God and perfect.’ “I strive to finish and look
forward to the prize of God’s heavenly calling.” Further, “;Watch vigilantly in
both fair and foul times.” “Watch therefore over yourselves and over all the
flock.” And: “Examine everything and keep what is useful.”
From the Great Gerontikon
Translated by Dr. Nick Stergiou
