What spoke to me was when Fr. Tom spoke about those people who are Christians, but don't act like it. That became very personal for me. This is why I am turning to Orthodoxy in hopes of becoming a true Christian. Let me explain:
In the West, the legal approach to salvation is constantly highlighted by what is DONE: if you say so many Rosaries, make the First Five Fridays, etc., you are assured of heaven. Likewise, Protestantism has their own list of rules you can keep and feel assured that you are on your way. In other words, if you tick off all the right boxes, you are good to go, even if you are mean to people, ignore the poor, and generally a nasty person to be around. Just do what you have to, and you are in.
In Orthodoxy, it is what you are that counts. It is the ontology of the person which determines his destiny in the next life, not what you do. I have become very aware of this in the last year, especially as it pertains to my own approach to the Christian life. I've been a "box-checker," yet when I look at who I am deep in my own heart, I am appalled. And who knows what God sees, for He looks even deeper into my own heart than I can or want to.
My hope is that upon becoming Orthodox I can begin to learn theosis and real, substantial change in my heart, not checking off boxes. The saints are our guides and show us the way. Under the most challenging of conditions and the worst of persecutions, they are gentle, forgiving, and Christ-like.
I have a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong way to go before I am even 1% like that.
