Be Blameless When Society Is Wicked
Sometimes we like to think is was ‘easier’ to be a Christian in the past. We read the stories about Church growth and mass baptisms. We then think of today. We can’t imagine the same stories taking place today. It is so much harder to be Christian today than ‘back then.’
Brethren, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud.
Philippians 2.12-15
If it was so much easier ‘back then’, why would Saint Paul urge us to a blameless life in the midst of a perverse generation? In every generation the Christian life has been difficult because it has been a choice outside the secular generation. It was as true then as it is now.
Still, the Church has stories of holy men and women who did not allow the perverse generation to determine their spiritual state. Even during the Christian Byzantine Empire, the secular world required a spiritual choice, like in the life of Saint Ioannikos the Great. His choice paid off!
Our choice to live according to God’s desire will always create a tension between us and the secular world, between us and our family and friends. Our temptation is to ask, “Why can’t I just do what everyone else is doing?” We can choose ‘their way’ or ‘God’s way’.
Saint Ioannikos left society for a life of asceticism on the mountain. Some are called to a life of monasticism, but all are called to a life that goes against social norms. Whether you choose to life in the world, or join a monastery, the choice to live according to God’s will is still required.
Here are a few practical choices for you to remain in the world and ‘still choose’ God’s way of life. Start by finding a good spiritual father to guide you. His example of choosing God in the midst of a perverse generation will help you. Then follow his advice.
Second, make the life of the Church a priority for you and your family. That might mean keeping some associates at a distance. It might mean ‘staying home’ instead of attending ‘all-night’ parties. It will always mean having to make a choice between the world and God.
That being said, being committed to the life of the Church and God’s will doesn’t mean you will always get it right. You will make mistakes. A good spiritual father will help you figure that out too. He has made, and still makes, his share of mistakes. His example will help you.
Your spiritual father isn’t your guru. He is your spiritual father who desires you to live with God. A good spiritual father won’t make himself the center of your attention. He will help you see God and God’s Church as the center of your attention. All this goes against our modern way of life.
We are taught from an early age to stand up for ourselves. We are encouraged to be who we want to be. We are rewarded for individualism rather than cooperativism. Saint Paul encourages something totally different. Saint Paul, and the Church, want us to be blameless.
Are you up for the challenge? The Nativity Fast is quickly approaching and you will have an opportunity for a ‘reset’ in your life. Now is your chance to Live A New Life In Christ.
