Last week I had the fantastic opportunity to visit several Greek Orthodox monasteries located in the central-Greek village of Meteora. It was a marvelous place, with monasteries perched high upon massive stone outcroppings along a small mountain range. As we stood on the porch of one of these magnificent structures, enjoying a breathtaking view, my brother Pete and I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of envy for the monks who spend their lives in such a beautiful place. We discussed how it would feel to spend out lives seeking greater understanding of God, the meaning of life, or any other higher form of wisdom. It would certainly seem to be an easier task from such a place.
As appealing as such a life seemed in the moment, I later gave more thought to how it would surely include much sacrifice as well. One who dedicates their life in such a way willfully sacrifices many of the aspects of life that seem normal or even inconsequential to the majority of us.
As I considered the life of a monk, comparing it with my own, I realized that Mormonism has its own type of “monastic order,” albeit quite different than that order which exists in other religions. Mormons even have a phrase which defines this order: “To live in the world, but not be of the world.” This phrase is designed to describe an expectation among church members pertaining to their way of life. In short, they are expected to be fully engaged in the secular affairs of the world, while at the same time remaining true to the faith and constantly seeking more spiritual wisdom, growth, and understanding. When it comes to the secular world and the religious world, Mormons are expected to find a balance between the two, so that they might participate in both 100%.
As it may seem, this indeed is no small task. Secular duties include employment, civic participation, commerce, rearing families, and other elements of our society which are not exclusively religious. Mormons are taught to be active participants in all of these duties. At the same time, church members volunteer their time to serve in various positions within the church leadership and protocol. To put it this way, a “Mormon monk” could be a lawyer, businessman, actress, janitor, pizza delivery person, politician, father, mother, etc., and at the same time serve as a Bishop, auxiliary president, Sunday School teacher, or in a myriad of other ecclesiastical positions. Truly, Mormons living in the world who are not of the world tend to have very busy schedules.
As wonderful as it would be to live high in the mountaintops and have each day to devote to study and meditation, I feel I would miss the satisfaction that comes from toiling in the secular world. Indeed, finding a balance between living in the world, while finding time for fostering personal spiritual growth can be challenging and takes daily effort. But I am convinced that it is possible.
For those of you who are church members, I am curious to know how you feel about this concept of living in the world yet not being of the world. What do you do in order to balance the two? What have been the greatest challenges for you?
For those of you who are not Mormons, I am curious to know how you feel about this concept. In your observations of Mormons, have you seen this? Do you have any good suggestions stemming from your knowledge of other religions or traditions?
Author’s Note: This comparison of the lifestyle of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to other religions which have a monastic order is not meant to critique. It is done to provide contrast, with great respect for those who dedicate their lives to their religion.
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