I think that\'s sound advice really. Averting the eyes is always a good idea in many situations. Unfortunately in today’s world, in many situations, there aren\'t to many safe resting places for the eyes and obviously the key is to look God-ward. Here\'s a copy of a daily message from the Gerontikon I received from a very wonderful Abbot...
(Note: This was not in response to any questions I asked him but just so happens to be exactly what we are talking about...)
That the youth (and everyone) should strive to acquire divine eros, and reject carnal eros
\"...A young man must try every means to resist temptation, and he will surely have Christ\'s help. When divine eros is kindled in his heart, the burning is such that every other desire and unseemly picture will be burned out. When this divine fire is burning within us, we experience pleasures so divine that all other pleasures pale in comparison. When we taste heavenly manna, wild carobs [i.e., the carnal pleasures] will mean nothing to us. This is why we should hold fast to the steering wheel, make the sign of the cross and not be afraid. After every little struggle, heavenly delights follow. If we are brave when temptation comes, God and the Panaghia will help miraculously.\"
Also in response to Alegria, thank you. That’s a really great perspective that I’m sure a lot of Orthodox guys may be lacking. I think it is indeed very important to remember that when a man, who for examples sake is being tempted by a woman, gives into that temptation he is indeed objectifying her or perhaps contributing to that objectification of her. (I would say, in many cases, blindly and perhaps not even so much intentionally - although there is indeed a lot of objectification of women in modern day culture) Clearly, the man is no longer seeing Christ (or attempting to) in this woman but rather seeing her as an indulgence so to say... It can be very difficult in many situations to do this as from an Orthodox guys perspective I would even venture to say that the amount and extent of promiscuity and promiscuous apparel worn by women is mind boggling! Also understand that these are literal assaults on our senses and I have to admit that at times I do turn away a bit snobbishly as it does get a little old. Lastly I\'d like to suggest that in many situations women may indeed be objectifying themselves by dressing and or behaving promiscuously. Of course, men must not contribute to this problem but rather contribute to the solution and see her as a child of God and pray for her (as well as ourselves).
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