the new monasticism
Have I mentioned lately that I married a phenomenal cook? In all truth, she has yet to cook something that is less than a resounding success. She herself may be disappointed with the results from time to time, but from a taste standpoint and from the opinions of her husband and son (amply confirmed by the gusto with which we devour the meals), every dish has been a chef d’oeuvre.
Diane and I have been feeling the tension lately that many believers experience between the necessity of using our God-given abilities for His glory and toward socially-constructive ends (speaking out against abortion, homosexual “marriage,” the growing moral degeneration of society) and the peace which must be present knowing that He is in control of all human events. The central question echoes the title of one of the most influential books in our lives, “How shall we then live?” How indeed, with a downward spiral of culture and society anticipated in the Bible but with which we have a mandate (in all obedience to Him) to work against. How do we invest ourselves in the world (to love it, truly), but not develop an attachment to it in the sense that our sense of elation or despair allies itself with every moral fluctuation and we grow resentful of that which God has revealed in His Word about these days? Most believers feel this, I think. Many times (and such is the case for us) it manifests itself as a sense of guilt for living in the culture we are when we hear about missionaries overseas pouring out their lives for the gospel. Diane and I were talking yesterday about it and speculating that this drive toward overseas missions may be an instance of the same drive that compelled men and women in ages past toward the monastic life, secluded in abbeys and monasteries. The new monasticism, in other words: the conscious removal of oneself from one’s “world” (in our case, our culture) with the added desire–always present, I am sure, to a degree in the “old” monastic paradigm–to see His Word go forth. The counterclaim remains that not everyone is called to this, that many of us are meant to remain where we are and minister exactly where we are, but thinking about our position on it in light of the cycles of history, it certainly was food for thought. More on this later, perhaps, when I am not at work.
Well, it is certain (as we have discussed) that many people live out their days in quiet tension because of the secular/sacred divide. You know, this isn’t limited to the mission field. It’s the immediate pull to the ministry in many people’s lives, simply because it is so difficult to invision what it “looks” like to live one’s faith full-out while being, say, a construction worker. Or a lawyer. Or a teacher’s aid. Many people (I’ve both read of and have personal experience with) naturally assume that any type of leadership ability along with a fervent faith in Christ by definition must be in vocational ministry. Or else they do work these “other” jobs in silent desperation while packing in extra hours of “real” service at their local church, as if that were where it really counts. Can we not see the absolute folly in that? Seriously. How in the world can we ever be salt and light if we aren’t impacting the sphere we are already in? Interesting thoughts, love.
Another thing: I was just thinking about the increase in evil and how the bible warns us that it will come. The bible also says that there IS an evil one, roaring around like a lion, a predator seeking to ruin and kill the church and keep others from it. It makes total sense that he WOULD turn up the heat just when the church is standing up again. Do we forget this adversary? So, this “end-times” escalation is quite understandable. His counter attacks are quickening because we are learning and speaking out, praise God. May Christ’s Bride be purified…
Anyway. Just chiming in.
An interesting post and good question for all of us. This is definately a difficult culture in which to live a life in Christ because of the lethargy and luxury in which we find ourselves. But even as we bemoan the decline of our culture, we must remember that:
“…our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Eph 6:12
One of the most overlooked aspects of this, i believe, is the power of prayer. So often we use prayer as a last resort, when things are seemingly beyond our natural power to influence we turn to prayer with a resigned sigh…when it is truly one of the most powerful and influential powers given us by God. As His sons and daughters we have the King’s ear…we are His beloved. Like Matt loves Diane and Diane Matt, He loves us so much more. He will not turn a deaf ear to our cry and desires when they are in agreement with His will, heart, and being. The early church worried not about Ceasar with his bisexuality, insanity, and demonic acts and influences. They didn’t ‘get political’ to form protests and pass laws to protect themselves or usher in Christianity. They prayed…and i think that says a lot. (Side note: After the disciples were with Jesus and saw the miracles and results of His life they asked that He would teach them how to pray, not how to do miracles, for they knew that His prayer life was the source of his light and power.)
Not that we aren’t supposed to speak out against sin and recognize evil for what it is, but we can do nothing outside of His power. God’s will and plan can only be accomplished by His power. When we spend our lives in prayer, His power is made manifest in our lives and it effects the people and culture around us. So it is not our responsibility to do anything of our own accord, but to agree and partner with Him and bring our hearts into agreement with His so that His will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
John D.
(And although that doesn’t always seem to help when it comes to whether or not to stay or go, when you’re in such intimate connection with the heart of God and are truly to the point where you want His will above your own, well, you’ll know as He will not hesitate to overlay the desires of your own heart with His when you ask and invite Him to do so. But it’s not always easy, and sometimes takes an intentionality and perseverence on our part.)
John-
Great comment. Diane and I jokingly wondered last night upon reading the comment whether you had been bugging our house. The necessity of prayer, its pervasiveness in the early church and the fact that we too often turn to it only as a last resort–these have really been weighing on us lately. Not only that, but the sermon in church on Sunday was on that topic as well. I think God is doing something in His church these days :)