Let's
continue to be strenuous in pursuing virtue. Let's not grow tired of
seeking it, for our Lord has become a guide for us and for every person
who has a desire for the virtues. And so that it might not be tedious
for us, St. Paul became our example when he said, "I die daily" (see 1
Cor 15:31). Now, if we were to think each day that we had to die that
day, we would never sin at all. This is the explanation of Paul's
saying. If in the morning we imagined that we would never last until
evening, and if at evening we thought that we would never see morning,
we would never sin.
If
we were to keep the imminence of our death in mind, we would never be
overcome by sin: lust which is fleeting would not reign over us; we
would never harbor anger against another human being; we would not love
the possessions which pass away; and we would forgive every person who
offended us. Therefore, beloved, let's be zealous in carrying out the
work we have committed ourselves to, and let's travel to the end of the
road on which we have begun our journey.
- St. Athanasius
