👉👉👉How Should One Live After Reaching #Adulthood : #Marriage or #monasticism
Dear beloved followers of the Orthodox faith, greetings in the name of our Lord. Today, we bring you an important teaching concerning how one ought to live after reaching the stage of Adam and Eve—that is, adulthood. This guidance is drawn from the Holy Scriptures and the wisdom of the Church Fathers, and we urge all to read with diligence and understanding.
The Church, in its divine wisdom, teaches that upon reaching adulthood, a person has before them two sacred paths: marriage or monasticism. These are not merely lifestyle choices but divinely instituted ways of life, each with its own blessings, responsibilities, and spiritual rewards.
The Path of Monasticism
Monasticism is a life wholly devoted to God, set apart from the world and its distractions. The word “monk” signifies one who lives in solitude, a virgin who has renounced the pleasures of the flesh, a member of a monastery, detached from worldly concerns such as wealth, ambition, and the affairs of the public. This sacred calling is open to both men and women, as it is a life of full dedication to the Creator.
Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself spoke of this path. When He taught about the law of marriage, His disciples, realizing the weight of its obligations, responded, saying:
“If this is the situation between a husband and a wife, it is better not to marry.”
To this, Christ replied:
“Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given.” (Matthew 19:11)
Thus, the Lord made clear that celibacy is not for all but is a special calling, a gift given to some for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. He further elaborated:
“There are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.” (Matthew 19:12)
This divine statement reveals three categories of those who live without engaging in sexual relations:
1. Those born as eunuchs – These are individuals who, from birth, lack the natural inclination or capacity for marital relations.
2. Those made eunuchs by others – In some cultures and histories, there were those who, through human intervention, were physically altered to become eunuchs.
3. Those who have chosen celibacy for the Kingdom of Heaven – These are the ones who, out of devotion to God, voluntarily renounce marriage and sexual relations to serve the Lord with an undivided heart.
This last category, those who choose celibacy for the sake of Heaven, forms the foundation of monasticism. It is a holy and exalted calling, freeing the individual from worldly distractions and allowing them to focus entirely on God.
The Teaching of St. Paul on Celibacy
The great Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, also spoke on this matter, affirming that celibacy is preferable for those who can accept it:
“I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.” (1 Corinthians 7:7)
Here, Paul acknowledges that not all are given the grace of celibacy, just as our Lord said: “Let him who can accept it, accept it.”
He further explains:
“I want you to be free from concerns. The unmarried man is concerned with the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But the married man is concerned with the affairs of this world—how he may please his wife—and his interests are divided.” (1 Corinthians 7:32-34)
In this, we see the great wisdom of St. Paul. The unmarried person can devote their whole heart and life to God, while the married person, though also walking in holiness, must divide their attention between their spiritual duties and the responsibilities of family life.
Thus, St. Paul, in his general teaching, advises that if one can remain unmarried and devoted solely to God, it is better to do so, so that the heart may remain undivided and steadfast in the Lord.
continues 👇🏽