Become last if you want to become first. When one disobeys and distresses his spiritual father, then God is also grieved. Our Christ showed us through His deeds the greatness of holy obedience, for He sacrificed Himself for the sake of obedience to His Father, “Therefore He has given Him the name which is above every name” (Phil. 2:9 ).
Indeed, he who has perfect obedience will be counted worthy to
receive a great name in heaven, a name of sonship, which will be revered
even by the angels, a double crown in the heavenly glory. St. Palamon
said, “He who submits himself well has no need to pay attention to the
commandments of Christ”. Why? Because through perfect obedience he has
fulfilled all of Christ’s commandments, and therefore it is unnecessary
to ask if he has carried them out. Obedience has genuine humility in its
bosom. Wherever there is humility, there is the scent of Christ, the
fragrance of God.
Elder Ephraim of Arizona
Elder Ephraim of Arizona
