From St. Dimitri of Rostov’s “Instructions; Seek Diligently the Things of Salvation”
“True life is not relaxation, but battle and war, a time for enterprise, a school, a navigation across the sea. There can be no tranquility during a war, nor rest in commerce; no leisure in school, nor ease when sailing upon the sea. Who sails on the sea without fear and sobriety? Who is in the midst of war without dread? Who goes to market or school for rest?
No one. Be not slothful in the things of God, nor despondent, but resolutely ready yourself and labor. For you the harvest is now; now is the time for trading, now is the time for buying. Reap and buy now so that you will not be found with empty hands, a stranger to God’s grace, and turned over to severe judgment.
The Lord rebuked the lazy servant not for receiving and preserving the talent, but for failing to multiply it, “You wicked and lazy servant … you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at My coming I would have received back my own with interest” (Mat. 25:26-7). Not only have you not multiplied your talents, but through sloth and carelessness have lost everything. What will you say on the Fearful Day of Judgment when every detail of your life will be tested? Therefore, be watchful.”