Can a Christian be a hermit?

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2ndTimeIsTheCharm

Well-known member
Feb 17, 2023
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#23
What I mean by a hermit is someone who lives alone in the woods and doesn't interact much with others. I like that type of lifestyle, but I do live in a big city currently and interact with others but the idea of it is just so peaceful.

But isnt a Christian's job to spread the Gospel? How you gonna do it living in the woods? What do you guys think?

It depends on what God wants. John the Baptist was sent into the desert for a while and Elijah too. After Paul got saved, he was sent into the desert also for 3 years. John the Apostle was also sent to Patmos (he could have been executed instead, but God wanted him to go into isolation so that John will not be distracted by anything when God gives him revelation. All these servants of God were sent into isolation for a time - to deepen their relationship with the Lord and have a clear view of the message(s) God wanted to convey to His people when the time comes.

 

Bruce_Leiter

Active member
Feb 17, 2023
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28
#24
What I mean by a hermit is someone who lives alone in the woods and doesn't interact much with others. I like that type of lifestyle, but I do live in a big city currently and interact with others but the idea of it is just so peaceful.

But isn't a Christian's job to spread the Gospel? How you gonna do it living in the woods? What do you guys think?
A Christian's job is to be a witness, not to evangelize people. Evangelism is a specisl gift of the Spirit. We must share what God has done in our lives, which is witnessing (Acts 1:8) like in court.

But to answer your question, I'm alone a lot, but I need the small group in our church for support and accountability. Also, my wife of 56 years has died almost three years ago. I'm alone but not lonely with God's gift of singleness (1 Corinthians 7). Furthermore, after being an English teacher, a sales manager, and a pastor (27 years), God has called me to write and publish books and other media. So, his calling has me sitting in front of my monitor a lot. I guess I'm mostly a hermit but not in the woods (too many mosquitoes!).
 

Gojira

Well-known member
Jul 20, 2021
5,741
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Mesa, AZ
#26
What I mean by a hermit is someone who lives alone in the woods and doesn't interact much with others. I like that type of lifestyle, but I do live in a big city currently and interact with others but the idea of it is just so peaceful.

But isnt a Christian's job to spread the Gospel? How you gonna do it living in the woods? What do you guys think?
Do not put your light under a bushel, as it were. You can retire at night to that peaceful cottage in the woods, but make sure that you're not isolated from the lost, as you are here to be salt and to reflect the light of Christ.

I think this applies to all areas of life... work, play, politics, etc.
 
L

Locoponydirtman

Guest
#28
It would be tough to be a member of a functioning Church body as a hermit
 

Adstar

Senior Member
Jul 24, 2016
7,426
3,479
113
#30
How can a Hermit spread the Word of God? Hermits hide away from the world.. from other people.. Christians go out into the world and engage with people..
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
56,020
26,143
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#31
List of people known as the Hermit

See also
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,237
6,530
113
#32
What I mean by a hermit is someone who lives alone in the woods and doesn't interact much with others. I like that type of lifestyle, but I do live in a big city currently and interact with others but the idea of it is just so peaceful.

But isnt a Christian's job to spread the Gospel? How you gonna do it living in the woods? What do you guys think?
When I was first given to believe by the Holy Spirit I was too happy to continue in my, then, activities. I went to the mountains to read the Word. I read the Word over and over for three years.
Although I was in the woods, people did accasional come my way, and I shared the Word with them all. On one occasion I had prayed to the Father, " I am so tired today, please, if anyone is to come my way,, perhaps it could be some Jews who need to hear of Salvation in Jesus,.: That night after dark, a small group of Jews from the Bronx practically fell into my campsite comingout of the trees and brushy area on the one side. I shared and they listened attentively until I had finished for the time. They sat there on the ground jusst gazing at me, so I said, that is all, and they rose and left.
When you believe, you are never a hermit.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,699
113
#33
What I mean by a hermit is someone who lives alone in the woods and doesn't interact much with others. I like that type of lifestyle, but I do live in a big city currently and interact with others but the idea of it is just so peaceful.

But isnt a Christian's job to spread the Gospel? How you gonna do it living in the woods?
I am a hermit.
What do you guys think?
Doesn't matter what you think. I know who and what I am in Christ.
 

Manolis

New member
May 19, 2023
1
4
3
#34
Ofcourse 😊, it helps you to escape from material world and focus on spiritual which means improve your connection with God. It may push you into praying mide usually and escape from a wold where everyone is searching for money. But fir sure it's not for everyone, Christian life can also be practiced inside societies, cities e.t.c by being kind toward everyone, merrying and growing up children with christian values (if that's what you wish). Everyone has its own personality as God made us🙏
 

SomeDisciple

Well-known member
Jul 4, 2021
1,839
826
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#36
As long as you can shine a light... Jesus said "let your light shine"; he didn't say to "go around and shine your light in people's faces!"