Ordinary People as Monks & Nuns

Regardless of how far-removed monastic living may seem for most Christians today, it’s important to recognize its impact on Christian history. During the middle ages monastic orders were the intellectual and evangelistic centers of their communities in Europe. Catholic groups include the Franciscans, the Benedictine orders, the Jesuits (a.k.a. the Society of Jesus), and the Dominicans. Protestant Christians have also taken an interest in these kinds of ministries – with movements such as l’Abri, Jesus People USA (of Chicago), the Jesus Army (of England), the Iona Community, and others. These groups share a number of common traits, including a heightened focus on prayer and the study of scripture, abstinence from worldly distractions and other sinful things, common ownership of worldly goods, directed efforts to minister to the poor and outcast, and other various ascetic/communal practices.

 

But even if you’re not into ascetic living, the call of consecration applies across the board for all believers, monastic and non-monastic, clergy and laity, men and women, Catholic and Protestant. Consecration means “putting your all on the altar” for God, or setting your whole life out for Him. (cf. Romans 12:1-2.)

 

In Old Testament times, the Nazirites were the monks and nuns of the day. They liturgically consecrated themselves to the Lord, agreeing to live by a set of ascetic stipulations spelled out in the Bible in Numbers 6. And their example gives us some ideas for Christians who want to consecrate themselves to the Lord today. Here are few thoughts…

 

1. What do I need to give up? The Nazirites gave up alcoholic drinks and anything that resembled them for their period of consecration (Numbers 6:2-4). Today, some Christians also have the call to abstain from alcohol. But for others it may be setting aside some work to spend more time with the family. Personally, at one point I sensed the Lord calling me to stop watching violent programs on television. These things vary from person to person, and the bottom line is that if there’s anything hindering your walk with God, it’s probably a good idea to put it aside (Matthew 5:29-30).
   
    
2. What new things should I start doing? The possibilities were completely wide-open for the Nazirites – but whatever they pledged to do, it had to be done before their period of consecration was over (Numbers 6:21). For today – maybe the Lord is calling you to pray for every person in your block, daily? Or maybe He’s calling you to work in a nearby homeless shelter on a regular basis? Or maybe He’s calling you to save money that you would otherwise spend on junk food, and give it to Hurricane Katrina victims? Again, the possibilities are endless.
   
    
3. What do I need to do for absolution? Absolution leads to practices that show genuine contrition for sin. Now understand here, we’re not saved by anything we do; we’re saved by God’s grace that comes through faith – nothing else (Ephesians 2:8-9). But sometimes when we find ourselves in a sinful condition, there are things that the Lord calls us to do as part of addressing the wrong we’ve done (Matthew 6:23-24, Numbers 6:9-12). So, if you stole $10 from someone, you probably need to give $10 back to that person – with interest. The answers to this question depend on how the Holy Spirit convicts you for sin.

 

These are some good thoughts to take into the Christian season of Lent, which begins on March 1^st.

 

God bless you,

 

Andrew McHenry, Pastor

Maple Hill Community Congregational Church