The State of Spiritual Delusion

In the state of spiritual delusion, a person knows that it is necessary to live virtuously, yet nevertheless neglects his reform because he considers himself morally perfect. The cause of such delusion is an erroneous understanding of Christian perfection and self-love. Precisely performing the external deeds of piety, withdrawing from worldly vanities insofar as possible, noticing in himself some good dispositions, he compares himself with others, and finding his life superior, one can easily think that he is truly very perfect and dares before the face of God Himself to say: “God, I thank You that I am not like other people—extortioners, unjust, adulterers…” (Lk. 18:11). “I have become wealthy, have been enriched, and need nothing…” What then does the Lord answer to him: “…you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” (Rev. 3:17)

Note. Concerning both vices and sinful states, it should be remarked that: 1) all at once cannot be in one and the same person, because some of them are opposed to each other; 2) a person does not always have the same vice but may combine many and pass from one state to another; 3) some vices are easier to correct than others; 4) however, no person, however vicious he might be, should be considered wholly incorrigible, “for things impossible for humans are possible with God.” (Lk. 18:27)