Beware of too much reading

Saint Theophan writes: “The practice of reading and speaking of God will, used on his own, create a facile habit for such things: It is easier to philosophise than to pray or pay attention to oneself. But since it is a work of the mind, which falls so easy into pride, he predisposes a man to self-esteem. It may altogether cool the desire for practical effort, and consequently hinder sound progress by a flattering successfulness in this mental activity. For this reason sound-minded teachers warn their pupils of the danger and advise them not to concern themselves too much with such reading and talk to the detriment of other things.”

Reading and dialog can become a substitute for what is really necessary to acquire the Holy Spirit so one can live in a way that is Christ like to live in union with Him.

Saint Theophan again: “It is wrong to become too much attached to reading it leads to no good and builds a wall between the heart and God would lead to the development of harmful.”

When you read, read with the intention of learning how to change yourself. Then make a sincere effort to actually change how you live. Without changes little is gained.

Reference: Saint Theophan, The Art of Prayer, p 168 Source: http://orthodoxwayoflife.blogspot.com/