Ascetism

A few years ago Joel and I came to some new conclusions about how Jesus expects us to use our money. By reading scripture and the examples of faithful Christians from other times and places we came to realize that all of our time and money belongs to Jesus. Consequently we've been trying to change our lifestyles accordingly. We've quit buying ourselves, and have started to get rid of, many of our luxuries.

Sometimes people misunderstand the purpose behind why we are doing these things. Sometimes people think that perhaps we think that there is spiritual value in poverty or abstinence from pleasure. This idea is called ascetism. This is not our understanding of scripture.

I see in many ways that God has given us good things for our enjoyment. Psalm 104:14-15 says, "You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart." Song of Solomon speaks of the pleasures of sexual intercourse. 1 Timothy 6:17 says, "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy." I have no question that part of the praise that we owe to God is for all the wonderful and enjoyable things that he has given us. They are not by their nature distractions from God.

I do think though that as followers of Christ we are under obligation to sacrifice our own pleasure for the sake of others should the need arise. 1 Cor 10:24 says, "Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor." Our attitudes should be the same as Jesus'. He poured himself our for us, forsaking the pleasures of heaven to redeem us while we were still wallowing in wickedness (Eph 5:1, Rom 5:8). We ought to question our love of God and if his love is demonstrated through us if we still know of brothers in need but continue to bless ourselves (1 John 3:16,17). If this is new to you then my quick explanation may not be enough to convince you of this. Please reread the bible with this question in mind. You can also read Joel's essay on the subject on his site.

I really think that our motivation for denying ourselves is out of obedience to the will of God and a desire to do all that we can to build his kingdom. It's not because we see abstinence as a virtue in and of itself. 1 Cor 13:3 flatly denies this idea. It says, "if I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing." The language is plain. Our sacrifices are for the sake of love. All other reasons amount to nothing.