We are all subject to a parade of emotions through our awareness. Anger, envy, pride, lust, listlessness, greed. These provoke us.
I love to read the Desert Fathers. They were early Jesus-followers trying to figure it all out. They were strange at times. We must remember they were writing to other monks and not to us. But wisdom may be gleaned from their thinking.
A brother became concerned about whether these random thoughts and emotions were sinful and would prevent his communion with God.
He asked Abba Poeman about this. And the “old man” said, “An axe cannot cut down the tree by itself.”
OK, I’ll provide an explanation.
The thought or emotion by itself won’t grow and harm you. But, if you metaphorically grab that axe, that is, dwell on the emotion, thinking constantly, letting it take up active residence in your life, then you are ripe for sin.
I have anger; I am not anger.
I have thoughts of lust; I am not a lustful person.
I see someone’s possession; I am not a person dwelling on thoughts of needing also that possession.
Become aware of the emotion attacking you. Intentionally let it go. Ignore it or divert your attention elsewhere and let it slide away unwanted and uncared for.
Faith Venture 
Leave a comment