Desert Discipline
In a collection of sayings from The Desert Fathers, believers and non-believers alike can grasp the picture of what true religious discipline looks like. Throughout the collection, readers receive examples of how the early Christian monks observed their faith. These examples seem extreme, harsh, or insane to many readers, however, the monks are the depiction of true self-discipline and complete devotion to God. By exercising their self-discipline through fasting, solitude, praying, and full deprivation of bodily temptations, the monks form higher relationships with God and all believers should strive to have discipline on the same level. Modern day Christians act as though God has intended their lives to be gratifying and comfortable, however, God never assured that life would be anything more than trials and tribulations. Life on earth is not intended to be easy, comfortable, or entitled, but if one lives their life in accordance with God’s will and His laws, they will reap the b...