Listen to what Saint John Climacus writes: “Someone asked one of those who have the gift of discernment: ‘Why did God, foreseeing the fall of some, adorn them with gifts and the power of miracle-working?’ He replied: ‘First, to strengthen (warn) others spiritual (gifted with ministerial gifts) by their example; second, to show the freedom of human will; and finally, to make those who fall, having received such gifts, without an answer on the terrible judgment’” (Discourse 26:130).
And now (if only we do not turn out to be fools who try to spy on the Mysteries of God with their mind, to measure the Wise ways of His Great Loving Providence-Care for each person in particular, and for all, and for everything at once) we will say a few words on this question. The first thing we need to know: everything the Lord gives (including spiritual gifts: miracle-working, powers…) to each person – is the best and most expedient for them, so that, serving with these gifts, the person would humble themselves, be saved (the best way to salvation for Judas Iscariot – is to carry out the ministry of an apostle, and therefore the Lord chose him, placing him in this ministry (which is the most expedient for him; as, for example, for an artist – to paint, a composer – to write music, a writer – to serve with words; and as an example of non-expediency, non-correspondence: to assign a philologist to teach higher mathematics) and gave the appropriate ministerial tool (everything necessary) for the performance of this ministry (spiritual gifts: preaching, teaching the Word, miracle-working, exorcism, healing…); but a person is free, and they can refuse the path proposed by God, from their ministry and use ministerial gifts not for their intended purpose, that is, not for salvation, but for their own destruction…). And it happens that a person fervently seeks, asks for God’s gifts (and not God, not baptism by the Holy Spirit), and the Lord in His Wisdom gives them gifts, knowing human souls, so that they (those who fervently, being in delusion, ask for gifts) do not reproach God on the day of judgment: “if God had given me what I asked for, I would have been saved, repented (as Saint John writes: ‘to make those who fall, having received such gifts, without an answer on the terrible judgment’)). About those who seek God’s (spiritual gifts), and not God, who deceive themselves with spiritual gifts, the Lord said: “Many will say to Me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness’” (Matthew 7:22-23). So, once again we repeat: to be in the Holy Spirit (a Christian = baptized by the Holy Spirit = born of God) and to have spiritual gifts – these are different things! Do not deceive yourselves! Be vigilant! Begin to repent, catechize, prepare for the baptism of the Holy Spirit!
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Let’s take a break, take a pause – let’s do a little mental gymnastics. Solve, please, the equation:
(The Elder always gives such tasks so that the grandmothers talk less… After this, there is silence on the farm for a week, until someone finds the solution, or the Elder, yielding to the grandmothers’ persuasions (and they are masters of pleading and convincing – they prepare such exquisite delicacies… and the donuts, and the pastries… – after such requests even the dead will be moved and say: ‘Alright!’), gives a hint…).
Have you already solved the problem?! (And I thought to take a nap…). Oh, sir (ma’am), you have an IQ over 3000!!! How good (Glory to the Merciful Father!) that you stayed with us – maybe we can learn something from you (your wisdom and understanding) (you don’t have a head, but a computer with a 100-core processor and 1000 terabytes of RAM!). It’s a pleasure to work with you, very instructive and useful… By the spiritual law – ‘with whom you lead, from them you will learn’ – maybe I will also gain some understanding (as praying before the icon ‘Increase of Mind’ somehow doesn’t increase my mind… 😊). Well, let’s get to work… (such a short mathematical pause in my practice has never been before…).