The Royal Way
Pursuing Balance in our Spiritual Journey.
We step out into 2025. No doubt the pace of life will remain relentless, with distractions and pressures tugging at us from every direction. Like the biblical Martha, many of us could often find ourselves busy with good things, but often at the expense of the best thing: spending time in God’s presence (Luke 10:38-42).
How can we balance the demands of life with a disciplined, meaningful pursuit of spiritual growth this year?
This question is as relevant today as it was in the 3rd century when a young man named Antony of Egypt chose to abandon worldly wealth and seek God in solitude. His life laid the foundation for monasticism, a movement of radical self-denial and spiritual discipline aimed at cultivating a closer union with God.
A Radical Call
Antony’s journey began after the loss of his parents at age 18. Their death, coupled with his inheritance of their wealth, caused him to contemplate his faith deeply. One morning he considered what it would mean for him to live more like the early Apostles who forsook everything to follow Jesus. That same morning in church, he heard Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:21 read aloud:
"If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven."
Hearing that verse that day changed Antony’s life. Feeling the Spirit's prompting, he sold his family’s possessions and gave the proceeds to the poor. Eventually, he renounced all wealth and withdrew into the Egyptian desert to seek God in solitude. Antony’s pursuit of God in the wilderness inspired countless others and gave rise to the monastic tradition.
The Monastic Path and Theosis
The goal of monasticism was Theosis - a term from Eastern Orthodox Christianity meaning "union with God." The monks believed that by spending time in God’s presence, removing worldly distractions, and committing to spiritual disciplines, they could experience inner transformation and become more like Christ.
The desert fathers and mothers practised disciplines such as silence, solitude, fasting, ceaseless prayer, and Scripture meditation. These practices weren’t ends in themselves but means to achieve “purity of heart,” which Abba Moses, a renowned desert elder, taught was essential for union with God.
Avoiding Extremes
In their pursuit of God, the early monks faced two common pitfalls:
1. Overzealousness in Spiritual Practices
Excessive asceticism could lead to pride, legalism, and burnout. John Cassian, who is credited with bringing monasticism from the East to the West, observed those who pushed themselves too hard often became physically and spiritually weakened and vulnerable to despair.
2. Negligence in Spiritual Practices
On the other hand, neglecting spiritual disciplines resulted in complacency and spiritual decay. Like the sluggard’s field in Proverbs 24:30–34, an undisciplined life became overgrown with distractions and sin.
The desert fathers emphasised a balanced path, which they called The Royal Way. This path, marked by discretion and humility, avoided both extremes and focused on God as the ultimate goal.
Lessons for us today
In our fast-paced world, Antony’s story and the wisdom of the monastic tradition remain profoundly relevant. As Christians, we’re called to walk the narrow road—one that balances spiritual discipline with grace and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Consider the words of Jesus to Martha:
"You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41–42)
Mary prioritised sitting at Jesus’ feet over the busyness of preparation. Her example teaches us the importance of choosing intimacy with God over relentless activity.
Our Royal Way in 2025
As we begin the new year, we need to ask ourselves: How will I prioritise God’s presence in my life? How can I avoid the extremes of overzealousness and neglect in my spiritual journey?
Here are some practical steps:
Establish a Routine: Dedicate specific times each day to prayer, Scripture reading, and silence.
Find Your “Cell”: Choose a place where you can retreat from distractions—a quiet room, a park, or even a regular walking route. It’s often when we are removed from worldly distractions we can reflect and see what’s really going on in our hearts.
Seek Community: Engage with fellow believers for accountability and encouragement. Consider joining a Kerith small group, growth tract course or a spiritual mentorship program.
Plan for Rest: Like Jesus have regular times of retreat or solitude to recharge spiritually. Plan this on your calendar early.
Participate in Worship: Prioritise attending church and corporate gatherings to spend time in God’s presence with others.
Remember, use discretion regarding the spiritual practices you’ll aim to commit to. Be led by the spirit regarding what you are going to do and speak to Christian friends to get their direction too.
Be realistic and have grace for yourself when things don’t always go to plan. Perfecting the practices is not the goal, they are a means to an end – union with God, time in his presence. I find it helpful to look at the practices as a trellis which aid spiritual growth.
A Final Encouragement
Transformation comes from beholding Christ. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 reminds us:
"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
This year it will be through spiritual practices such as: reading the Bible, prayer, fasting, times of silence and solitude and corporate worship that we will contemplate Christ – It’s through the contemplation of him that we will continue to be transformed into his image.
In 2025, embrace the challenge of walking the Royal Way—a balanced path of spiritual practices that draw you closer to God. Like Saint Antony and the monastics, may your time in God’s presence lead to transformation, peace, and a deeper intimacy with him.
Let’s take time to contemplate, retreat, and listen this year. The journey to purity of heart and union with God will be worth every step.
God Bless,
Leon.
Helpful Links:
‘Making Space for God’ preach from Sunday.