Asceticism is the desire to glorify God by avoiding that which is deemed unacceptable and limiting oneself to only what is necessary to maintain life. This vainglorious 'religiosity' is steeped in pride ... a need to be seen as 'holy' compared to other seekers of truth. Dietary laws and self-sacrificing rituals are common among today's false religions.
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:9
In order to bring credibility to their sanctimonious code of conduct, ascetics surround themselves with like-minded converts. These cults successfully proselytize those who find the Lord's plan of salvation inadequate ... that redemption comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Born-again believers (supposing that they lack some vital religious exercise) can also be swept up in their rhetoric ...
Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Colossians 2:20-23
This legalistic approach to Christianity emphasizes man-made rules and prohibitions as 'the standard' for spirituality. It alienates non-believers, implying that they must morally cleanse themselves before they can come to Jesus.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Matthew 23:27-28
Asceticism may look impressive but it only manages the outer man. It fails to liberate one from the 'sin nature' inherited by Adam's fall. The only power that can sanctify you wholly is the indwelling Holy Spirit. Scripture exhorts those who are straying into legalism to ... Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
Don't allow 'asceticism' to compromise your faith. The burden of obedience was on Jesus' shoulders. It is His righteousness that was applied to your account at the moment you accepted Him as Savior.
As you rest under the love and lordship of Jesus Christ, a 'holiness' for which you cannot claim credit will naturally take place in your life.
HE IS ENOUGH, pilgrim.
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