Retreating from the secular world

Lilly54 said:

Has it ever crossed your mind what it would be like to become a monk or a nun?

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Not really like a monk or nun per say, but I have definitely teetered on leaving everything behind to go out and evangelize and live a single and celibate life so I would have no burdens keeping me from doing the work of God. But I was already engaged to my then fiance when I had such passions, and have since been married and adopted other responsibilities and roles in life. It was a difficult thing to let go of. Somehow I have to adapt now and find that passion in my marriage. It's difficult for me, probably because I'm so young and dumb, I used to be fired up I tell you. I'm getting it back, hopefully the Lord will lead me to higher grounds. Regardless, I have to do everything I do to the glory of God.

Pilgrims can stay at monasteries for a short time. It IS wonderful to get away from the busy-ness and influence of a secular life and society, to immerse yourself in simple work, daily cycle of services and prayer.

I found it to be peaceful, but it can also involve great spiritual warfare. For those devoted to the life, it IS intense warfare. At least for Orthodox monastics. So much prayer and devotion definitely makes a person into a target. And God allows growth, which means increased warfare.

Lilly54 said:

Has it ever crossed your mind what it would be like to become a monk or a nun? I sometimes imagine it. To live a life totally devoted to Christ.
There are times i think how good that would be. Get away from what is now a world of such nonsense and sin.
I have no idea how one would go about it. You would have to give up everything and start again. Meanwhile I suppose there must be retreats people can go on to try out that lifestyle or just have a break. Meet like-minded Christians. I know people do it for yoga so why not for Christianity? Must be great to do that - anyone ever done it?

It's just i get so fed up with the way life is so pressured and Godless around me, i can imagine in my old age just selling up and retreating to a convent and living a simple life of devotion, just my Bible to read, no contact with the outside world and doing good works. A fantasy i know, but does anyone else feel like that?

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I used to think like that, but now when it happens I realize it is my spirit that’s longing for Heaven. The Lord told us to be light and salt in this world. I don’t think it is wrong to have retreats, as I often get seasons of rest, but I don’t think we can do the work of ministry if we are not in the darkness. There’s also the parable that says let the good and the bad grow together and the angels will eventually harvest.

I don't think you're alone in that thought at all. Sometimes, I have found that a good escape does the body, mind, and heart a lot of good, but only if I feed myself with God and His word while I'm doing it. Otherwise I'm just avoiding the busyness of the world. Part of my husband and I's calling from Christ is to start a small retreat where people can come and unplug from society, and plug into Christ. Where there's no hierarchy, just people that all believe in Him. I get so overwhelmed sometimes from the sins of the world and people around me, that I've wanted to bug out too. However, we are called to be disciples for Him, and glorify Him in everything we do, and I can image how difficult that would be in pure seclusion. That's why we are to guard our heart. Not that it's easy or comfortable, but we weren't called to have the easy life and just be comfortable, we were called to be Christians. Try reading Luke 21:34, it may help you. Stay committed to your prayer life (even the listening prayers) and keep your armor polished by reading His word daily. I really don't know much about being a nun or a monk, but I can guess they aren't too secluded. You are definitely not alone in your thought process. I get it big time!
Stay Blessed

Not quite the same, but I often think that I'd like to be with only my church family all day, every day discussing God and his Word.

You're never too old to serve God!

Serve God and dedicate your life to Him in thought word and deed; in your walk, in your prayer life;

in all that you do.

Your life is a witness to the world

JustRachel said:

Not quite the same, but I often think that I'd like to be with only my church family all day, every day discussing God and his Word.

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I definitely know this feeling.

In our country people have set aside some properties called "prayer centres". It's sort of a boarding place. You can also do a day visit. I was at one this week from Wed morning to Friday morning. You are essentially on a fast and on paying like 1-2 dollars per night they give you hot water to drink and shower. 2 blankets and a bunker bed in a room of about 32 other beds. It's an absolutely amazing experience. It's a Christian based centre so it's open to Christians only. I was set free from some things that plagued me for a couple of years.

Personally, I wouldn’t dream to be alone in some isolated area. But I understand where you’re getting at.
We are commissioned to be the light and salt of the world. A light that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14
God bless!

Sometimes I think about going into the wilderness away from everybody. Just me, Jesus and my dog.
And then I realize I have no idea how to live off of the land and I can't be a witness to anyone out there.

Lilly54 said:

Meanwhile I suppose there must be retreats people can go on to try out that lifestyle or just have a break.

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I've never done it but keep getting urges to find something like this the past few years.

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Hello everyone I am new

Mazvita said:

Hello everyone I am new

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Welcome back then. We are glad you've returned.

It says you've been here since 2011 and have almost 100 posts?

I totally know how your feeling because I have been where you at. It is hard to live in this world with all the garbage that comes across in our daily lives without truly walking in the Spirit. For years I tried to manage living in the world and trying to serve God half heartedly and it is impossible do it. 1 John 2:15. All that it got me was sick, stressed out, and unhappy with life in general. You start getting caught up in all negativity that comes with it. We have to overcome the things of this world. The lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and pride of life. 1 John 2:16 Once we realize that there are two realms (God-Spirit and World-flesh), we can start to differentiate the two from each other. We are of Spirit and not flesh and the two war against each other. We have to feed our Spirit daily and be in communion with God in order for us to grow. If we neglect the Spirit and live too much in the world, we will start satisfying the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and pride of life. We have to develop the fruits of the Spirit Galatians 5:22 I literately do not watch much television, news, social media, by choice due to how toxic environment/communication it has. I focus solely now on God and the things of God which is the way we are suppose to live as Christians. Luke 10:27. I am so much more happy and peaceful with my life walking righteously before God than not living the right way due to lack of knowledge and understanding. It takes time but we all have to work out our salvation. I am still learning each day on how we are suppose to live according to God's plan and purpose for us. Be blessed!

I've just come back from a retreat at a Benedictine monastery, and I can say it was wonderful and it truly did feel like being set aside from the world. It was refreshing and re-energizing, and I felt spiritually safe within the walls of the abbey. If you're interested, there are many monasteries that allow private or group retreats. All you have to do is look up which ones are near you and then make a phone call!

Lilly54 said:

Has it ever crossed your mind what it would be like to become a monk or a nun? I sometimes imagine it. To live a life totally devoted to Christ.
There are times i think how good that would be. Get away from what is now a world of such nonsense and sin.
I have no idea how one would go about it. You would have to give up everything and start again. Meanwhile I suppose there must be retreats people can go on to try out that lifestyle or just have a break. Meet like-minded Christians. I know people do it for yoga so why not for Christianity? Must be great to do that - anyone ever done it?

It's just i get so fed up with the way life is so pressured and Godless around me, i can imagine in my old age just selling up and retreating to a convent and living a simple life of devotion, just my Bible to read, no contact with the outside world and doing good works. A fantasy i know, but does anyone else feel like that?

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There is a long tradition of Christian monasticism...both monks who retire to a monestary and those who live by a rule while having more interactions with the world around them. I would suspect that a good motive to feel that you should enter such a lifestyle is because God leads you to believe that this is the best route for you to grow in His knowledge and grace. A less good motive is because you're tired of the world and trying to flee it.

Monastery and Convent Etiquette

There are religious retreats and monasteries even for Protestants, in most western countries. You tend to find them more in the Anglican/Episcopalian or Lutheran churches, but there are some retreats in other religious traditions.