Category: Spirituality

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways” (1 Cor. 13:11).

Many Christians are very childish in the way they think and reason. They think that God is some big answer guy in the sky, who’s going to solve all their problems for them. God’s not that mean.

Part of growing up is thinking for yourself. Part of it is making reasonable choices. Another part is taking responsibility for your choices. If God did everything for you, you would never learn anything. So God doesn’t do that.

Divine Principles

God gives you principles of how to act, speak and behave yourself. He expects you to do your own thinking, to come to your own conclusions. But he also expects you to accept the consequences of your choices.

Growing Up Spiritually

Growing up is hard to do. And growing up spiritually can be even harder. We want everything to be easy for us. God will not do that. God will take us into the valley of doubt and confusion, so that we can grow.

Just like muscles require resistance, so does the will. For a strong will, we need to have a strong force to push against. That strong force is the world, the flesh, and the devil.

The Bible

We need to approach the Bible differently than we do. We need to see how the people in the Bible related to God. Learn about their relationship. And apply the principles of that relationship to our own relationship with God. That’s why the Bible was given. Not as an answer book, but as a guide to building a relationship with God.

A religious habit, as I am using it here, refers to a distinctive set of clothing worn by members of a religious order. Certain monastic orders have standardized their color and style.

Hermit Habit

Throughout history, many hermits also wore habits, but this was never required or standardized. Personally, I would advise against wearing a habit for modern hermits. At least those not associated with an official organization.

Rather I think we should follow the advice of a desert father known as Abba Muthues. He said:

“Wherever you dwell conduct yourself in a simple manner like every one else, and what you see those who fear God do, that is, those whom you have confidence in, that do also, and you will be at ease. For to be as all other men are is true humility, and the men who see that you are like all other men will regard you as they regard every one else, and you will not be troubled.”

Plain and Simple

I am not your bishop, superior or abbot. This is just my advice, you can take it or leave it. But I think you might see some wisdom in what I suggest.

Dress plainly, without designer clothes or clothing with brands on it. Plain and simple should be the rule. No flashy clothes, bright colors, or anything to attract attention. Blend it, don’t stand out.

This is all in harmony with the idea of hiddenness. You are fleeing the world, therefore flee their fashions and fads. Think practical, high quality, long lasting, and multipurpose. Not just in clothing, but in all things. Think minimalism and simplicity and practicality.

Hidden Habit

I do wear a hidden habit, that most people never see. It is the symbol of my dedication to the hermit life. It is a simple rope necklace with a small wooden cross on it. It has been blessed with holy water and prayer.

It is helpful to carry with you a symbol of your vocation. What you choose should match your calling. Some might want to wear a necklace like the metal of St. Benedict or another saint. Others might wear a ring, have a bracelet, or carry something in their pocket. It’s up to you.

You should confess your sins against God and your neighbor. Pray this sincerely from the heart.

A Prayer of General Confession

Most merciful God,
I confess that I have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what I have done,
and by what I have left undone.

I have not loved you with my whole heart;
I have not loved my neighbors as myself.
I am truly sorry and I humbly repent.

For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on me and forgive me;
that I may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name.
Amen.

Almighty God,
have mercy on me,
forgive me all my sins through the Lord Jesus Christ,
strengthen me in all goodness,
and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep me in eternal life.
Amen.

_________
This is a personalized version (I instead of we) adapted from the Book of Common Prayer according to the Episcopal Church (1979).

I can summarize my view of Christian simplicity with this sentence that I came up with:

“Only buy what you need; only keep what you use.”

That is my original contribution to simple living and minimalism. Is it is an easy to remember rule or simplifying your life.

The Importance

It’s hard to express the importance of minimalizing what you own, of simplifying your life. The importance of slowing down and really living in the moment.

It is amazing to realize just how much clutter affects our mental attitude. It affects our mood, a clarity of mind, and even our level of stress. Decluttering and minimalizing helps to bring back freedom to heart and soul.

I have to confess this did not come naturally. It was through learning about minimalism, several years ago, that I began to apply these principles.

Only Buy What You Need

The first principle is only buy what you need. We live in a society that is characterized by consumerism. That means we’ve been taught the LIE, that to own more is to be more. We identify with the things we own.

In one sense you could say that not only do we own things, but things own us. Our possessions possess us. And that is why we do not feel the freedom, the liberty and the clarity of bind that we should. Or at least one of the reasons we don’t.

Only Keep What You Use

It’s amazing how much clutter actually accumulates over time. Things stay around in our houses that are never used. They are collected for that just in case moment.

Of course, if we’re honest, we know the just in case moment never comes. The stuff just sits around and sits around, until we finally throw it out. Why wait.. if you haven’t used it in the last 3 months, you probably don’t need it.

One of the ways to help free you up to get rid of the clutter, is that if you really needed that thing, you can always buy it again. But chances are you won’t ever buy it again, because you really don’t need it.

Simplifying is a Process

Simplifying is a process, and it is not easy. Take it slowly, and start with the things that’ll have the most impact. For me, it was my wardrobe. I was able to get rid of the things that I hadn’t worn in 3 or 4 months.

For other people it might be the kitchen. Because that’s one of the most used rooms, decluttering that can help free you up. Can help make cooking more enjoyable.

The key is to find which room or area would make the most impact. Start there. The worst place to start is in sentimental items. Do those last. You’ll thank me later.

Don’t Become a Minimalist

One of the problems with becoming a minimalist, is you become attached to a title, and that title becomes an identity, and that identity then rules your life. Then it becomes a matter of. Are you a true minimalist or are you one of those fake minimalist. It becomes a competition, you then are being judged on how minimalist you are. It’s a trap, don’t do it.