Asceticism
Do you know what that word means?
Verse of the Day
“You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.”
Today’s Devotional
I need to be honest from the very beginning and tell you that when Richard Foster used the word “asceticism” in his book, I had absolutely no idea what it meant. So I looked it up. (I keep a dictionary app on my phone because I need to look up words often.) Then I went to one of the Bible search engines I use and put in “asceticism” in the search field thinking, “There’s no way anything is going to come up in this search.” I was wrong. The English Standard version of the Bible actually uses the word “asceticism” in verse 23 of today’s passage: “These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”
So what is it?
According to Webster’s Dictionary, asceticism is defined as “the practice of strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline; rigorous abstention from self-indulgence”.
I would describe it in a different way. Legalism. It would look like an outward display of something that does not exist in my heart.
Let’s look at what Richard Foster says:
- The Christian discipline of simplicity is an inward reality that results in an outward lifestyle. Both the inward and the outward aspects of simplicity are essential. We deceive ourselves if we believe we can possess the inward reality without its having a profound effect on how we live. To attempt to arrange an outward lifestyle of simplicity without the inward reality leads to deadly legalism.
- The difference between asceticism, which is the practice of strict self-denial, and simplicity is striking. Asceticism and simplicity are mutually exclusive. Asceticism renounces possessions. Simplicity sets possessions in proper perspective. Asceticism finds no place for a “land flowing with milk and honey.” Simplicity rejoices in the gracious provision from the hand of God. Asceticism finds contentment only when it is abased. Simplicity knows contentment in both abasement and abounding. (Phil 4:12)
We have freedom in Christ to enjoy the life He has blessed us with. This freedom gives us no liberty to take credit for anything that we are enjoying. We have no need of abiding by strict rules when it comes to simplicity. We need simply to seek the Kingdom of God above all else and remain ever teachable by the Spirit. As we seek God’s Kingdom, He will show us which things of this world we are gripping too tightly. He will help us to let go of the things we do not need, and to praise Him for the things we are blessed to enjoy.
In my experience, when I try to abide by any kind of rigorous self-denial practices, the result is this: I can only sustain it for a very short period of time and then my behavior swings to the exact opposite end of the spectrum. That shows me that the required change in my heart posture isn’t there. Instead of seeking certain behavior restrictions, we should be seeking God and His Kingdom. Anything He wants us to give up or abstain from, He will show us and give us the power to do so. That does not mean it will not be difficult to give up the earthly things He invites us to give up. It is very uncomfortable. But it simply doesn’t have a legalism aspect to it. It’s about obedience, which is all about surrendering my will to His.
Journal Prompts
Answer only the questions that seem relevant to you today.
What does “freedom in Christ” look like for you? How has that changed over time?
What are some man made rules that have caused you harm?
How have you tried rigorous self denial? What was the result?
How can you seek God’s Kingdom above all else today?
Are you willing to invite the Holy Spirit to show you which things of this world you are gripping too tightly?