***Passions – are a powers of the soul. God has granted a man a power and not a vices. But if we do not do our best to direct our powers to good, evil comes and starts to direct them and our powers become our desires. Then we start to blame on God. But if we shall use our powers correctly directing them against evil, they will help us in our spiritual achievements. For instance, let’s take anger. If anger is in man, it means, that his soul has a courage and it is very helpful in spiritual life. A man who has no anger doesn't have courage and it’s very hard for him to handle himself. If a man with anger uses his power for a spiritual life, he benefits, he may be compared to a luxury car flying with a high speed on a good road, - turns a 5th gear and no one can catch you up. But if he uses this power incorrectly and doesn’t control himself, he is compared to a car going with a high speed on poor condition road-hitting bumps and potholes each time.
A man should understand the powers he has and benefit of them. Thus he will achieve a good spiritual mood with God's help. Selfishness and egoism should be directed against devil and do not give up when it's tempting you! An inclination to meaningless, trash talks should be changed for prayer exercises. Isn't it better to speak with Jesus Christ instead of trash talks and sinning? Depending on the way man uses his powers, he's becoming better or worse.
*** - (St. Elder Paisios of Mount Athos)
