“Our faith must have philotimo [Christ-like outlook and attitude], and that’s where the philotimo-filled struggle begins. And the more we struggle with philotimo, the more our faith will increase, and the more our love will increase. In this philotimo-filled struggle, it helps greatly to keep God’s blessings in mind. Someone who has a strong sense of philotimo does not wonder if there is Paradise, but struggles, because he believes and loves God. Whereas someone who does not have philotimo will begin to wonder, ‘Why should I even struggle? Does Paradise really exist? Will there be a Judgment Day?’

 

And when someone is ungrateful, no matter what you do for him, he will still be ungrateful. Whereas the man who has philotimo praises God even in a time of temptation and will gradually start being continuously grateful to God. That’s when the divine transformation comes to his soul, keeping him in constant joy and gladness. Another person may have no temptations or trials of any kind, and only have blessings, and yet will never be satisfied with anything.”

– ‘Spiritual Awakening’