circumstances to cultivate patience in bearing their wants, so as not
law: to indulge as little as possible. Conversely, it is our constant duty not only to restrain extravagance but also to eliminate any unnecessary display of abundance. We must diligently guard against turning what should be a means of support into an obstacle in our spiritual journey.
5. Another guiding principle is for those in humble and narrow circumstances to cultivate patience in bearing their wants, so as not to become immoderately desirous of things whose moderate use signifies significant progress in the school of Christ. For in addition to the various vices that accompany an excessive longing for earthly goods, one who is impatient in poverty often reveals the contrary ailment in abundance. By this, I mean that the person who is ashamed of a simple garment will boast vainly of a splendid one; the one who is dissatisfied with a modest meal and yearns for a more luxurious supper will recklessly abuse luxury once obtained; the one who struggles and is discontented in embracing a humble and private station will be unable to refrain from pride upon attaining honor. Let it be the aspiration of all who sincerely desire piety to learn, following the Apostle's example, "both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." (Philippians 4:12) Moreover, Scripture provides a third guideline for moderating the use of earthly blessings. We have touched upon it when discussing the duties of charity. It teaches us that all these gifts have been graciously bestowed upon us by God and entrusted to our care, with the understanding that we will one day give an account of how we have managed them. Thus, we ought to administer them as if we continually hear the words echoing in our ears, "Give an account of your stewardship." Simultaneously, let us bear in mind that it is the Lord Himself who will evaluate our stewardship. He highly esteems abstinence, sobriety, frugality, and moderation, while despising luxury, pride, ostentation, and vanity. He approves of no administration that is not accompanied by charity. It is He who, with His own words, has already condemned all those pleasures that divert the heart from chastity and purity or cloud the intellect.