September 17, 2024 Desert Mothers and Fathers
September 17, 2024
Desert Mothers and Fathers
I enjoy reading from the early Desert Mothers and Fathers, there is great wisdom to chew on and wisdom to discern. Their lives and teachings continue to inspire people in the Christian faith, emphasizing virtues like humility, patience, and a deep commitment to prayer and solitude. Abba Anthony, also know as Anthony the Great is regarded as the father of Christian monasticism due to his influential role in the early monastic movement.
One day Abba Pambo asked Abba Anthony, what he ought to do to be a good Christian, his reply: “Do not trust in your own righteousness, do not worry about the past, but control your tongue and your stomach.”
How is this going for you? 😊 I always chuckle when I read the third suggestion. However, Abba Anthony’s advice does offer timeless guidance for our spiritual journey. It is so easy to fall into the trap of self-righteousness, believing that our good deeds and moral behavior make us better than others and worthy before God. Yet, Paul reminds us that true righteousness comes from God alone. Ephesians 2: 8-9, tells us “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” This serves as a gentle reminder we are not to humbly acknowledge our dependence on God’s grace and to avoid the pride that can come from self-reliance.
I know people tend to worry about the past. There are also people who are also more concerned about someone else’s past, (a devo for another day), and as a result, good people carry the weight of past mistakes and regrets with them every day. Weight, they place on themselves, and the weight others lob in their direction. When we hold onto what was, this can hinder our spiritual growth, our relationship with others, and our relationship with God.
Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us to forget what was behind, pressing on toward what is ahead. I know regret and disappointment looms in the hearts and minds of people from all levels of society. I sat in that space for a time in my life, but then I realized I was allowing something that had passed, to consume me, there is nothing I can do to change it, but I embrace it and learn from it, besides, if I were to go back to change the wrong turns, regrets, and bad choices, I wouldn’t be who am I today.
I encourage you to give thanks for all you have done and experienced, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and know each one of the choices along the way has made you the beautiful person you are today.
We know self-control is a vital part of the Christian life. James reminds us of the power of the tongue, comparing it to a small spark that can set a great forest on fire (3:5-6). The challenge (for me) sometimes can be in controlling the appetite – especially with so many yummy foods and desserts so readily available. However, by controlling our speech and our appetites, we can live more disciplined and holy lives, reflecting God’s love and wisdom to those around us. We feel better about ourselves if we embrace this discipline.
Pause: Take time to reflect and examine areas where you might be relying on your own righteousness. Release yourself from the identity of past regrets or mistakes that you need to let go of. Pray for God’s help to move forward. Do your best to practice self-control in your speech and eating habits this week. Notice how it impacts your spiritual and daily life. I pray Abba Anthony’s wisdom will help guide you on your spiritual journey.
Together,
we are held,
in Christ’s love.
Pastor Kellie Sanford