Saint John of the Ladder gives the following advice for those living in the world:
Some people living carelessly in the world have asked me: "We have wives and are beset with social cares, and how can we lead the solitary life?"
I replied to them: "Do all the good you can; do not speak evil of anyone; do not steal from anyone; do not hate anyone; do not be absent from Divine Services; do not offend anyone; do not wreck another man's domestic happiness, and be content with what your own wives can give you. If you behave in this way, you will not be far from the Kingdom of Heaven."
And Saint Macarius of Optina adds:
"A life lived in the world can be as good, in the eyes of God, as one spent in a monastery. It is indeed only the keeping of God's commandments, love of all, and a true sense of humility that matter, wherever we are."
