distinct account of the various components that constitute a well-
prostitutes and tax collectors are closer to the kingdom of heaven than they are (Matthew 21:31). We have not yet fully explained the extent and multitude of the obstacles that hinder a person in the pursuit of righteousness as long as they have not renounced themselves. The old saying holds true: there is a world of iniquity stored up in the human soul. And there is no remedy for this except to deny oneself, renounce one's own reasoning, and wholeheartedly pursue the things that the Lord requires and desires from us, seeking them solely because they are pleasing to Him.
3. In another passage, the apostle Paul provides us with a concise, yet distinct account of the various components that constitute a wellordered life. He proclaims, "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good" (Titus 2:11-14). With the grace of God as our guiding force, Paul not only inspires us to genuine worship but also removes the two formidable barriers that obstruct our path: ungodliness, encompassing all that opposes the true fear of God, and worldly passions, which encompass the lusts of the flesh. He urges us to renounce our own thoughts and desires in relation to both the first and second commandments. Then, he distills the manifold actions of our lives into three essential facets: sobriety, righteousness, and godliness. Sobriety encompasses not only purity, self-control, and temperance but also the wise and modest use of temporal blessings and patient endurance of lack. Righteousness encompasses the fulfillment of all our obligations in equity and fairness to one another. And finally, godliness sets us apart from the defilements of the world, uniting us with God in genuine sanctity. When these three virtues are inseparably linked, they form the essence of complete perfection. However, recognizing the immense difficulty in bidding farewell to the desires of the flesh, in suppressing and renouncing