This distinction arises because, of his own volition, he forsook the righteous state in which he was created, becoming ensnared in the decay of his fallen nature. As he diverges from his true self, he inadvertently concedes to ephemeral existence. By allowing himself to stumble, he resigns himself to an unsteady inner state; what can he discover there but the instability of change? Even though he strives to elevate himself toward heavenly pursuits, he consistently falls back into the depths of his own frailty. He wishes to elevate his thoughts, yet lacks the necessary fortitude. He seeks to establish a firm footing in contemplation, but finds himself hampered by the fragility of his nature. The same burden of changeability, which he willingly embraced, he unwittingly carries against his will. Man could have mastered his carnal inclinations, which were originally created in purity, had he chosen to be governed by his Creator. But when he attempted to rise against his Maker, he swiftly experienced the rebellion of the flesh. Now, mercifully, along with sin, he inherits penalty through birth, bearing the weight of an inherently flawed nature, as if the enemy were joined to him from the outset. Therefore, human life is a ‘trial’ because it rebels against him, leading ultimately to his destruction. Although virtue can never entirely eradicate the frailty he generates, he perpetually holds onto some weakness through which he attempts to achieve virtue.
Thus, life is a ‘trial’ because, although we are restrained from sinning, our good deeds are often overshadowed by the memories of past transgressions, and the haze of self-deception obscures our intentions. One individual may strive to restrain his flesh from indulgence; yet all of these efforts are plagued by thoughts of former transgressions, involuntarily recalled, where once pleasure now metamorphoses into punishment. Fearing enslavement to destructive habits, he curbs his cravings by imposing special abstinence upon himself; through this, he purifies his countenance and begins to earn the respect of his peers. However, with praise often comes vanity, as he becomes unsettled by the desire for perfection. This may lead him to either lose the purity gained through abstinence or realize that his chastity can be a source of pride. Another individual may find growth through the humbling of his pride, and he is subsequently held steadfast in the humility he desires. When he witnesses the proud oppressing the innocent, his zeal may prompt him to abandon his previously resolved humility, as he resorts to strength rather than meekness in defending the truth against the wicked. Frequently, a person may sacrifice the zeal for humility in favor of the zeal for righteousness, or vice versa, leading to confusion in his identity. He faces even greater turmoil, as either pride masquerades as righteous zeal, or passive inaction feigns humility.
Another person, acknowledging the gravity of deceit, strives to fortify himself in truth, intending that no falsehood shall escape his lips. Yet, it often occurs that proclaiming the truth burdens another's life; thus, out of concern for a friend, he may inadvertently revert to previous habits of deceit, suggesting that although evil may not reside in his mind, the shadow of falsehood continues to obscure his truth. Consequently, under pressure from circumstances that necessitate expression, a man may find himself destroying his soul by uttering untruths or, conversely, harming another by speaking the truth. Another, motivated by love for his Creator, seeks through persistent prayer to elevate his mind from worldly distractions and find peace within. However, during his prayers, as he attempts to ascend from earthly matters, he is pulled back by the very distractions he seeks to escape; his sight is clouded by the images of worldly concerns. Oftentimes, a man’s mind may strive to rise yet succumb to his own limitations, leading him to forgo prayer, succumbing to sloth, or, if he perseveres, becoming entrapped in a haze of distractions.
Hence, it is rightly stated that ‘human life is a trial on earth,’ as one grapples with the guilt of a fallen path while seeking advancement. The mind becomes disoriented by its attempts to escape disorder, eventually losing stability through the very efforts aimed at achieving inner order and strength. Mankind, being ignorant of Divine Instruction, languishes in the depths of ignorance, often neglecting the pursuit of salvation. In contrast, one endowed with knowledge of Divine Law can fall into pride, relishing in the privileges of understanding, yet ultimately forfeits the very gift he possesses. Thus, during Judgment, it is revealed that his perceived superiority dims in comparison to others, stemming from the traits he previously flaunted. One person shuns the path of godly living, believing that lacking extraordinary gifts grants him license to act irresponsibly, while another, filled with the prophetic spirit, perceives future occurrences with clarity. Yet, as he repeatedly elevates himself in vision, his confidence leads to an overestimation of this prophetic insight, ultimately causing him to lose it due to reliance on his own strength. He may then find himself diminished even further than those he once surpassed. Thus, the existence of humanity is truly a trial on earth, as one may be unable to attain heavenly rewards due to a lack of special gifts, or, having received such gifts, find himself collapsing under their weight, suffering even more than others.
It should be acknowledged that while the term ‘trial’ is akin to ‘war,’ the latter implies a deeper significance. The concept of ‘war’ involves a continual progression toward a conclusion. As the course of life expands, the struggle diminishes with time. Therefore, life on earth is a war, for with each passing day, we move closer to life's end. Though we anticipate the future, each day lived simultaneously shortens our time, such that as we progress on our journey, the remaining distance decreases. Life is thus described as a ‘war’ because while it expands, it concurrently approaches its termination, illustrating the paradox of seeking duration only to simultaneously experience loss. Hence, it is aptly stated that human life is a struggle on earth; as one attempts to add to life, the very lengthening process leads to diminishment. It further reflects on the nature of such struggles: Are not his days the same as the days of a hireling? Job. 7:1.
The hireling eagerly anticipates the day’s swift passage, aiming to receive the reward for his labor with expedience. The days of one enlightened by Truth are therefore aptly likened to ‘the days of a hireling,’ as he perceives this life as a journey, not a destination. As he advances slowly towards his ultimate reward, he feels the distance to his prize lengthening. Furthermore, we must consider that the mercenary directs his efforts toward others’ tasks while longing for his own due reward. In the words of the Savior, My kingdom is not of this world Jn. 18:36. For, we who are filled with the hope of heaven labor through this earthly existence, anticipating a future glory. Often, we find ourselves serving the unholy and giving to the world what aligns with worldly needs; however, through our efforts, we cultivate our spiritual rewards. Likewise, as stated in a different context, And if ye have not been faithful to what belongs to another, who shall give you your own Lk. 16:12.
Moreover, consider the diligent hireling who works steadfastly, ensuring that no day passes without toil, lest the end of his time be unproductive concerning his reward. For he witnesses the fruits of his labor enhancing his hope for recompense. Each elect soul, mindful of their existence as a ‘hireling’ counts the days of their life, striving laboriously towards their reward. He fears that moments may slip by wasted, empty of effort, and thus rejoices in tribulation, is challenged by suffering, and derives comfort from grief, recognizing that all will be multiplied in future rewards, fully embracing the trials of daily life. The inhabitants of earth affirm to the Creator, Yea, for Thy sake we die every day Psalm 43:23. Consequently, Paul exhorts, That I die every day, brethren, for Thy glory 1 Cor. 15:31. Again, he professes, For this reason I suffer thus; but I am not troubled, because I know in whom I have believed, and I am confident that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day 2 Tim. 1:12. Therefore, holy individuals, for all their current trials, according to Truth, also hold numerous promises of reward in the realm of hope. Yet, they endure through the harshness of existence with the hope of enjoying eternal rest in the end.
THEOSIS