What is Required of YOU?
“It is true, considering things in themselves, that the conversion of a soul is, without doubt, infinitely more acceptable to the Divine Majesty than the mortification of a disorderly affection. Yet, every person, in his own particular sphere, should begin with what is immediately required of him. Now what God expects of us, above all else, is a serious application to conquering our passions; and this is more properly the accomplishment of our duty than if, with uncontrolled appetite, we should do Him a greater service.”
This quote from Spiritual Combat by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli which is a book I’m diving deep into right now, it has produced such thought provoking theological truths within just a few pages.
I wanted to break down the quote above using Scripture, showing that what Scripture says about how we attack life is vastly different than how we are raised today.
1. "The conversion of a soul is...more acceptable...than the mortification of a disorderly affection"
This acknowledges that saving a soul is a higher good in itself — but it’s not always our assignment at a given moment.
Luke 15:7 – "There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."
→ The conversion of a soul is indeed precious to God, I cannot actually think of a greater miracle than someone bowing before Christ and surrendering their life.
2. "Yet, every person...should begin with what is immediately required of him."
This reflects the principle of ordered charity and obedience to one’s own vocation or duties.
Sirach 3:21–22 – “Seek not what is too difficult for you, nor investigate what is beyond your power. Reflect upon what has been assigned to you, for you do not need what is hidden.”
→ Focus on your immediate call, not imagined greatness. This means every day tasks, things that are right before your eyes require doing them FOR THE LORD.Romans 12:3–4 – “I say to every one among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought...but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
1 Corinthians 7:17 – "Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him."
3. "God expects of us...a serious application to conquering our passions"
This is central to Christian spiritual combat. God expects interior transformation, not just exterior action.
Romans 8:13 – “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
→ Mortifying passions is essential to spiritual life.Galatians 5:24 – “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Matthew 5:29–30 – “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away... For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.”
→ Radical action against personal sin is prioritized, you can’t just assume sin will go away, you can’t just think magically you’ll defeat sin. You need to actively fight it.
4. "This is more properly the accomplishment of our duty..."
The idea here is that God is more pleased with obedience and self-mastery than impressive works done while passions remain unchecked.
1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.”
Matthew 7:22–23 – “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name...?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you.’”
→ Doing “big” things without personal conversion is spiritually dangerous. You need to do what He has laid on your heart.Luke 16:10 – “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much.”
I hope that you’re finding this fruitful, thought provoking and charitable. I will be doing more of these as I work through this book with the intention of ridding myself of “myself” and putting on more of Jesus.
Actions speak louder than words