How to Be a Modern MonkSample

Day 10 — Practicing Community

Consider the image of a monastery. Far from being a place of isolation, it represents a community where individuals come together with a common purpose. This communal living isn’t about escaping the world but creating a beautiful collective that can influence society. A modern monk doesn’t just attend church but becomes part of the church community as a participator, not just a spectator.

In Psalm 133, we find a beautiful description of unity: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” This unity is compared to precious oil and life-giving dew, symbolizing the blessing and life that flow from a harmonious community.

However, achieving this unity isn’t always easy. The enemy’s strategy is to divide and conquer, knowing that a house divided against itself cannot stand. In contrast, God’s mode of operation is unity. When we stand united, we become an unstoppable force for good.

This communal approach to faith isn’t always comfortable. It requires vulnerability and humility. It means saying, “Will you forgive me?” when we’ve wronged someone. It means having the courage to confess our struggles to trusted spiritual leaders who can provide guidance and accountability.

The beauty of this approach is that it breaks the cycles of isolation and self-reliance that often lead to spiritual stagnation. When we confess our faults to one another and pray for each other, as James 5:16 encourages, we open ourselves to healing and growth.

We’re not meant to walk the path of faith alone. While our relationship with God is personal, it’s not intended to be private. We need each other to grow, be challenged, and become all God has called us to be.

As we embrace this way of living, we become like a city on a hill, a light that cannot be hidden. Our unity and love for one another become a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.

This wisdom offers a path forward in a world that craves authentic community and meaningful connection. It challenges us to move beyond individualistic spirituality and embrace the messy, beautiful reality of doing life together.