“The true purpose of our Christian life consists of the acquisition of the Holy Spirit of God. Fasting, vigils, prayer and alms-giving, and every good deed done for the sake of Christ are only means to the attainment of the Holy Spirit of God. Note, that only good deeds done for the sake of Christ bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Everything else that is not done for the sake of Christ, even if it is good, does not bring us a reward in the life to come, not does it bring the grace of God in this life. This is why our Lord Jesus Christ said, “He who does not gather with Me scatters” (Luke 11:23).

— St. Seraphim of Sarov, On the Goal of Christian Life