What are “temporary things”?

[SingularityOne]

Soeaking of # 6:

What are things that the Orthodox Church considers “temporary things” not to get attached to?

How should one conceptualize relationships (friendships, spouses, children, etc.) in this mindset of “temporary things” not to get attached to?

 

[HTacianas]

Soeaking of # 6:

What are things that the Orthodox Church considers “temporary things” not to get attached to?

How should one conceptualize relationships (friendships, spouses, children, etc.) in this mindset of “temporary things” not to get attached to?

View attachment 306049

It usually means "things of the world". Houses, cars, money, things like that. Jesus said several times to people, "give up all that you have", meaning riches.

Mat 6:19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;

Mat 6:20 “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Mat 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

[ArmyMatt]

anything that doesn't abide forever. this life is to prepare for eternity, so don't get attached to what won't make it

 

[SingularityOne]

It usually means "things of the world". Houses, cars, money, things like that. Jesus said several times to people, "give up all that you have", meaning riches.

Mat 6:19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;

Mat 6:20 “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Mat 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

anything that doesn't abide forever. this life is to prepare for eternity, so don't get attached to what won't make it

Do relationships count in this? If not fully, what aspects of relationships are “temporary” and what aspects are not “temporary?”

Like obviously we aren’t to be attached to physical appearances, because those fade.. etc. but I’m wondering more what y’all think on this.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Do relationships count in this? If not fully, what aspects of relationships are “temporary” and what aspects are not “temporary?”

Like obviously we aren’t to be attached to physical appearances, because those fade.. etc. but I’m wondering more what y’all think on this.

they endure eternally, but are transfigured in the age to come.

 

[SingularityOne]

they endure eternally, but are transfigured in the age to come.

Do you mind saying more on this? I don’t completely understand fully. Maybe I’m not meant to. But, I agree that the soul is eternal along with the body. But, there are certain things in relationships that fade, but certain things that are eternal... I’m trying to figure out that delineation if there is one.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Do you mind saying more on this? I don’t completely understand fully. Maybe I’m not meant to. But, I agree that the soul is eternal along with the body. But, there are certain things in relationships that fade, but certain things that are eternal... I’m trying to figure out that delineation if there is one.

the relationship between a husband and a wife continues into eternity. however, the fallen mode of reproduction (i.e. sex) does not.

 

[SingularityOne]

the relationship between a husband and a wife continues into eternity. however, the fallen mode of reproduction (i.e. sex) does not.

How about non-marital relationships (friends, ex-gf/bf, parental, etc.) do they continue into eternity as well? If so, which aspects do or don’t?
Totally agree on the “sexual reproduction” aspect not being eternal.

 

[ArmyMatt]

How about non-marital relationships (friends, ex-gf/bf, parental, etc.) do they continue into eternity as well? If so, which aspects do or don’t?
Totally agree on the “sexual reproduction” aspect not being eternal.

they do, and that depends on the nature of the relationship

 

[SingularityOne]

they do, and that depends on the nature of the relationship

What do you mean by “it depends on the nature of the relationship?”

 

[ArmyMatt]

What do you mean by “it depends on the nature of the relationship?”

bishop to parishioner isn't the same as best friends

 

[SeraphimSarov]

bishop to parishioner isn't the same as best friends

Alright Father, indulge me if you would. What do you envision best friends to be in the world to come? Or is there such a thing? I suppose there's no way to know, but I'm curious what the Fathers have said about the nature of human relationships after we die.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Alright Father, indulge me if you would. What do you envision best friends to be in the world to come? Or is there such a thing? I suppose there's no way to know, but I'm curious what the Fathers have said about the nature of human relationships after we die.

we really don't know, only that it's transfigured and exponentially better over eternity

 

[SingularityOne]

bishop to parishioner isn't the same as best friends

True, but I’m wondering what are the “things” that don’t change vs what we can be sure are eternal in our relationships?

 

[ArmyMatt]

True, but I’m wondering what are the “things” that don’t change vs what we can be sure are eternal in our relationships?

I dunno if there's a list. a lot of this is stuff we'll find out.

 

[SeraphimSarov]

we really don't know, only that it's transfigured and exponentially better over eternity

Good enough for me!

 

[SingularityOne]

I dunno if there's a list. a lot of this is stuff we'll find out.

I totally agree. I know a lot is a mystery. But, for example. If one is venerating the image of God in the other in love and respect (relating to them with love and truth towards their salvation), then that is the proper orientation towards them. Sometimes that looks like healthy detachment from a person if one finds that is how they are to relate to that person unto their salvation, but sometimes that means that we are to be more dynamically involved in the other’s life. But, I know this looks different depending on the relationship and one’s closeness to Christ.

I guess what I’m getting to as well is if one misses and friend, ex, family member, etc. that is no longer present in their life, what is the proper orientation towards them so that one doesn’t fall into despair, anxiety, and the like so they can maintain a healthy detachment from them that is rooted in love?

 

[ArmyMatt]

Good enough for me!

you and me both!

 

[ArmyMatt]

I totally agree. I know a lot is a mystery. But, for example. If one is venerating the image of God in the other in love and respect (relating to them with love and truth towards their salvation), then that is the proper orientation towards them. Sometimes that looks like healthy detachment from a person if one finds that is how they are to relate to that person unto their salvation, but sometimes that means that we are to be more dynamically involved in the other’s life. But, I know this looks different depending on the relationship and one’s closeness to Christ.

I guess what I’m getting to as well is if one misses and friend, ex, family member, etc. that is no longer present in their life, what is the proper orientation towards them so that one doesn’t fall into despair, anxiety, and the like so they can maintain a healthy detachment from them that is rooted in love?

seek after Christ and trust that He is working out all things for the good of the friend you are no longer in contact with.

 

[SingularityOne]

seek after Christ and trust that He is working out all things for the good of the friend you are no longer in contact with.

Agreed, thanks father.