I grew up in a community where there were strict rules to follow in the name of purity and holiness, and I often felt unworthy. Over the years, as God showed me the Word, I understood that these were unbiblical, and that most of these strict rules were practices of asceticism creeping into the church. I spoke with many people about it, whether it is on the insistence of wearing whites, or about removing jewellery. Maybe you may not understand what I am talking about, as you were not brought up in that culture.
There was a friend of mine who had accepted Jesus has her personal saviour. She was a non-Christian. She decided against all opposition and anger of her community to take the step of baptism. The Pastor, who was about to baptize her, just before she was about to be baptized, said that she had to first remove her jewellery in order to be baptized. It was not so that her jewellery wouldn’t be lost, but rather because the denomination he was under wouldn’t allow anyone wearing jewellery to be baptized. Here’s someone who decided to get baptized against all odds and amidst fear of her life in danger, and denominations want laws to be imposed, in the name of purity. It’s still followed even today. I was part of churches, where people who wore jewellery were not allowed to take part in the Lord’s table.
These all stem from ascetic practices from traditions of man, like Paul says in Colossians “based on the elementary principles of this world”. They have turned legalistic, and have become a snare to anyone who wants to know the truth about the Word. Asceticism is not discipline. While these terms may seem similar, they are fundamentally different in their approach, purpose, and outcomes. Both have a place in spiritual conversations, but knowing the difference can help you align your practices with biblical truth.
What is Asceticism?
Asceticism is a practice that involves extreme self-denial and abstention from physical pleasures to achieve spiritual enlightenment or purification. It often focuses on subduing the body to gain greater spiritual insight or favor with God.
Asceticism is found across various religious traditions, from early Christian monasticism to eastern religious practices. In Christian history, ascetic practices like fasting, celibacy, and self-imposed deprivation became prominent in monastic traditions.
Paul warns against asceticism in Colossians 2:20-23:
“Why do you submit yourself to decrees… such as ‘Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch’? These are matters which have… an appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and severe treatment of the body but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.”
How do we identify asceticism?
The people who are into this focus on harsh treatment of the body. This is often rooted in a belief that physical pleasure is inherently evil. So, they refuse to sleep on mattresses, and refuse savoury food, sex with spouse, or any pleasure for that matter. They seek to earn spiritual merit or favour through self-denial. They do this, and feel that they have a better standing before God. They may not admit it always, but you see them much happier when they deny themselves.
Don’t mistake it with Discipline
Discipline, on the other hand, is the intentional practice of self-control and obedience to align oneself with God’s purposes. It focuses on shaping the mind, body, and spirit to live according to God’s will. Discipline is consistently commended in Scripture as part of the believer’s growth in faith.
1 Timothy 4:7-8: “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily training is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things.”
Hebrews 12:11: “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Asceticism might say, “Deny yourself food completely to be closer to God.” and Discipline would say, “Fast for a time to focus on prayer and dependence on God.”Asceticism might say, “Avoid all comforts because by avoiding them I will be more pure.” and Discipline would say, “Use comforts wisely, ensuring they don’t control you.”
The Dangers of Asceticism
Focus on Works
Asceticism often emphasizes human effort over God’s grace, creating a works-based approach to spirituality.
Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us: “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Legalism and Its Dangers
Legalism often emerges from extreme ascetic practices, where individuals pride themselves on their self-denial and judge others who do not follow the same rules. This judgmental attitude can lead to division, strife, and ultimately harm the body of Christ. There have even been cases of churches shutting down because of this destructive mindset.
Example of Asuza Street revival
One notable example is the Azusa Street Revival, led by William Seymour. While this movement saw the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, many participants struggled to anchor their experiences in the Word of God. To “preserve the move of the Spirit,” they adopted increasingly strict legalistic practices.
With legalism came judgment. People began accusing others of “hindering the Spirit” for not adhering to these man-made rules. Something as simple as wearing a colorful dress could be condemned as unholy, while wearing a plain white robe became synonymous with purity and holiness. This mentality bred suspicion, finger-pointing, and division among believers. Over time, the fractures caused by these attitudes contributed to the eventual closure of the church.
Legalism undermines the unity and freedom found in Christ. Instead of focusing on the grace and truth of the gospel, it shifts the emphasis to human standards and external appearances, ultimately leading to the erosion of the community of faith.
Misunderstanding the Body:
Asceticism often treats the body as inherently evil, contradicting the biblical teaching that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We need to take care of the body, not deal with it harshly.
What We can Do?
Asceticism often leads to legalism, pride, or self-reliance, while discipline fosters humility, spiritual growth, and reliance on God. As Christians, we are called to practice discipline, not as a means of earning God’s favor, but as a response to His grace and a way to grow in holiness.
Let us heed Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:27: “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” Discipline, when rooted in God’s Word and guided by the Spirit, leads to a life that glorifies God and reflects His love.
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