Articles
Should I Become a Monk?
Does the Bible, in any way, suggest that people should become monks? The first place to start would be with defining what a monk is. For the most part, a monk is one who has taken a vow of poverty and celibacy. Being very religious, they cut themselves off from society and engage in communal living. Their goal is to devote themselves to prayer and to become more Christ-like. Although there are different religions that have monks, each with their own peculiarities, this gives us an idea of what a monk is.
So, does our Lord want people to become monks? No, He wants people to become Christians (Acts 26:28; Acts 11:26). Jesus wanted people to follow Him and be like Him (I Pet. 2:21). However, creating our own way to be Christ-like is not following Christ. The whole idea of a monk living in a monastery is creating an idea of being “more” devoted than others. As if taking those vows will make one more useful for the Lord. That could not be any further from the truth.
When you read the first article, you find out that every Christian becomes part of God’s family. They don’t create levels of righteous living. All saints are to walk in the light (I Jn. 1:3-7). Now, just because the apostle Paul chose not to get married, it didn’t make him more spiritual that Peter, who did get married (I Cor. 7:7-8; Matt. 8:14). Also, just because Jesus was not rich (materially on earth), He wasn’t suggesting that the poor are more spiritual.
When it comes to prayer, there isn’t a monk past, present or future, that would accomplish what the faithful Christian does with their prayers (Jas. 5:16). Man likes to think they know what the Lord wants and what would be best for man. When in truth, the Lord’s way is always right! Remember, whatever we do, we need to do it by the authority of Christ (Col. 3:16), not by what some religious group decides.
It might seem like I am being disrespectful to people who are being selfless. But what I am trying to reveal is, true selflessness is to abide in Christ’s teachings (II Jn. 9).
