in hope of recompense

In the Sermon on the Mount about all God-pleasing deeds—prayer, fasting, and alms—the Lord commanded to do them secretly. Why? Because the Heavenly Father will reward you openly. Therefore, a Christian should prepare future bliss for himself through all his labours in life; he should build himself an eternal home, and send provisions there in advance for all eternity. This is not being mercenary, because one’s own material interests as such are limited to this life, while [the future] life is to detriment of these interests. Furthermore, it is impossible to live this way without faith, hope and love towards the Lord. Acting according to the commandments in hope of recompense is also an abstract action. And yet it is closer and more distinct for the heart than anything else which is too unreal, as for example to do good for the sake of good. You will not find the latter anywhere in Scriptures. The higher incentive is here: do everything for the sake of the Lord and do not fear loss.

~ St. Theophan the Recluse

Insecurity

Elder Paisios was asked:

- Elder, why do people today feel insecure?

Because we are all insured! We insure our car, our house, and our life. Having worldly insurance, we put aside the protection and providence of God.

(thanks to Mystagogy)

How to make suffering and misfortunes cease

When the soul is humble and bows down before the will of God, our suffering and misfortunes will cease. For then, misfortunes and suffering somehow become dear to us. We will come to have a completely different understanding of life. We do not reason anymore according to the laws of this world. We see everything in a different light. Everything we look upon seems somehow brighter, full of love. Everything is good because it is pleasing to God. We are His creatures and all that is created belongs to Him. He created all things for Himself, that we might be partakers of His Divine love and Divine peace and joy.

~ Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica

I cannot express how much I love this. This is my new favorite quote. This is it! This is the answer!

Fearing the glory of men

St. Anthony teaches: "Be fearful that you do not become famous because of some work that you do. If they begin to praise you because of your work, do not rejoice in that and do not find satisfaction in that but keep your works in secret as much as you can and do not allow anyone to speak about them." How much more peace and joy would there be among men on earth if a part of mankind would take these holy words to heart! Even though St. Theophilus lived as a simple monk secluded on Holy Mt. Athos, he was famous in all the patriarchates of the east, as much for his learning as for his good works and ascetical life of mortification. It happened at one time that Theoleptus, the Patriarch of Constantinople, visited Thessalonica. At that time, the arch-episcopal throne of Thessalonica was vacant. The Christians of Thessalonica unanimously implored the patriarch to appoint Theophilus as their archbishop. The patriarch, a compatriot and friend of Theophilus, wrote a personal letter to him in which he invited him to accept the arch-episcopal throne. Fearing the glory of men and not being able to refuse the patriarch, Theophilus immediately received the "great angelic habit" [The Great Schema] and informed the patriarch of this adding: "If God be willing, we will see each other in the Kingdom of Heaven." Such were the spiritual giants, whom the Church calls saints, afraid of vanity and the glory of mankind.

~ Nikolai Velimirovich - The Prologue from Ohrid