Become a Letter from Christ

When we think about what it means to live an Orthodox Way of Life we need to be careful not to simply commend ourselves for our good intentions. Saint Paul suggests that we think of ourselves as being a "letter from Christ ." He is not suggesting some superficial outward appearance or practice, but something that is part of the most central aspect of our being. Paul advises that this letter is "written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God."

What does this mean written with "the Spirit of the living God"? This is not a mental attitude but something that results from an openness that unconditionally embraces a loving God. It's based on a surrender to God's Will. It's based on our humility and full acceptance that our will is not what is most important.

So how do we write on our heat with the Spirit? This is what an Orthodox Way of Life is all about: Allowing the Spirit to transform us into a "Letter from Christ delivered by us."

We have discussed in earlier posts about the Ten Principles of an Orthodox Way of LIfe. Review them, strive to live them, don't become discouraged if it seems difficult, and you will surely become "a letter from Christ."

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all men; and you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Saint Paul 2 Cor 3:1-3

Ten Principles of an Orthodox Way of Life