Mansions of exemplary life (Christianity)

Entry into these mansions is marked by fear of losing God. In this state the person is aware enough of their own failing to recognize the danger of returning to the first mansions. Also being aware of the lives of the saints they know that what ever effort they put forth they may fail and they cannot be certain of God's help at this point.

In these mansions the individual experiences great aridity in prayer. This is not the interior trials that will be experienced later. This aridity is usually caused by an unwillingness to abandon attachments to the things of this world or to seek recognition, even for things like piety. Some souls, having lead a life of virtue, who would not intentionally commit even the smallest of sins become impatient to be in the presence of God. Failing to realize that while virtue and good works are expressions of love of God, God has no need of these things. Gifts of the spirit are gifts and not purchases.

This period of aridity may teach humility, the recognition that it is God that controls the life of the spirit and not humans. Restlessness over acquiring the fruits of the spirit is the aim of the Devil. Souls in this state frequently come to believe that they are suffering for the sake of God and fail to see that it is their own imperfections which cause this restlessness. It is grieving over quite unimportant earthly things. It is failure to master one's passions.

They become cautious in ordering their lives, even their penances because their love of God is not strong enough to over come their reason. They find stumbling blocks everywhere because they are afraid and dare not go further. Without complete renunciation of the self, this state becomes quite burdensome. While there may be spiritual consolations, perfection consists of increased love and not consolations.

In preparation to leave this stage, an individual needs to find someone to render obedience in order that the soul is not harmed. This person should be without illusions about the things of this world.

The third of seven mansions of the soul's progress described by St Teresa of Avila.