This is a strait and narrow way that no bodily thing can pass through it, for it is a slaying of all sin, as St Paul saith: Mortify your members that are upon earth, not the members of our body but of our soul, as uncleanness, lust, evil concupiscence, avarice, fond love to ourselves and earthly things. Therefore as thy endeavour has been heretofore to resist bodily sins and open temptations of the enemy, and that in matters as it were from without; right so it behoveth thee now, in this spiritual work within thyself, to batter down and destroy the ground of sin in thyself as much as thou canst. Which that thou mayest be better able to perform, I shall give thee the best counsel I can. (John Climacus)

Each morning before I reengage with Climacus, I read what Forward Day-by-Day offers. Today's includes:

If you have never tried it, spend one minute today--just sixty seconds--letting God love you. While you sit there quietly, listen to your mind tell you all the reasons why you are not worthy. Then tell it to hush. You are God's glory and joy. You are God's beloved child.

Psalm 50, assigned for today, concludes with, "Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honour me; to those who go the right way I will show the salvation of God.’

The mind is not wrong when it tells me I am not worthy, but that knowledge does not move me closer to God. The psalm includes a clear warning of what God will do to the wicked. God's love is unconditional, but our choices still have consequences.

It will be interesting to read what Climacus recommends to batter down and destroy the ground of sin. I hope it will include a full measure of thanksgiving and openness to God's grace.

The image is a modern icon of the Ladder of Divine Ascent by Tom Clark.