Under The Olive Tree

Enclaves

As the world around us becomes more wrought with strife - when the stress of expressing ourselves , our ideas; and our inner thoughts and heart is assailed on every side - so much so that we calculate our exposure of who we truly are - it is in these times and circumstances - these social and economic conditions, that we as individuals - or as a body - retreat into enclaves.

What does it mean and how do we do it? What are the standards that we turn to when we are forced into the climate where our lives might depend on who we trust with the knowledge of our inner selves?

And where and how do the enclaves exist?

During the atrocities of the Second World War - people had to endure the unspeakable conditions of the concentration camps. People were starving, they were being tortured, they had to stand in rank as those that rebelled were executed before their eyes - they were forced into silence by the brutality. - But even under those conditions the solidarity of the prisoners was elusive. Even under those conditions you had to know who (which prisoners) you could trust.

“The heart of man is desperately wicked.”

Enclaves then, must have cohesive and defining factors - and they can exist on many levels. Enclaves can be the collaboration of purely intellectual pursuits - they can be the retreat from dubious social or economic trends into a more sensible persuasion - but in their truest sense today, they are the ultimate return to that which is holy and true - and the acknowledgement of the most basic operations of the Spirit of God in the body of believers.

And what are those basics?

When the disciples of Jesus were in training to develop and shepherd the enclaves of the Early Church - Jesus promised them, “If you continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed - and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” - John 8

The first and most basic requirement for a Christian enclave then - is the primary role of the Word of God.

What we are doing when we form an enclave is to define our priorities and seek to understand what is essential to survive and propagate our shared beliefs.

Enclaves are the last step of survival for its members in an ever increasingly and hostile world and environment - for the believer in Jesus of Nazareth as the Son of God - and the Savior - the prevailing world view is crossing the threshold from opposing to dominating - and the coming upheavals and resulting troublous times herald the development of enclaves in every sphere of the operation of the true church - the ecclesia - the “called out ones.”

“A wise man forseeth the evil - and hideth himself - but the simple pass on and are punished.” - The Ancient Texts

Perhaps the second defining characteristic of a modern day Christian enclave would be unity of purpose. This is not each individual finding their separate purpose and then gathering to celebrate their unique goals being realized through common values - this is the submission of the individuals involved to a greater common purpose than their own fulfillment.

In the case of true believers it is defined by obedience to the Word of God - and unity in fulfilling our great commission - “preaching the Gospel in all the world to every creature.” - Matthew the Publican

A true Christian enclave - like all enclaves; then - requires sacrifice. And it is not easy. Forming an enclave demands that we embrace difficult choices.

The timely manner in which we face and act upon these choices will determine not only our success - but by the very nature of the enclave - our survival.

Just as we would consider the various factors in any other valuable acquisition, we will no doubt ask - “what do I need?”, or in this case - “what do I need to do?” - and “how much does it cost?”

The answer to these questions will depend on whether or not the enclave will be the vehicle that will carry you through the crises or not. An enclave that does not take any commitment and doesn’t cost much will fail - just when you need it most.

An enclave that is functioning and that acts as a haven and a center of resources in troublous times will understandably take investment, effort, thought, and prayer. - It will also take a lot of organization.

The key ingredient though - actual community based on Biblical principles - and enclave members working in the operation of the Holy Spirit in humility and unity will be elusive until all those involved have fully embraced and committed themselves to its necessity - and to its success.

It is my firm conviction that the enclave will become a necessity for all believers during my lifetime - and as such - taking whatever steps we can to move toward the realization of the elements of the enclave during times of relative peace is not only prudent - but essential.

“One can chase a thousand, but two can put ten thousand to flight - and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken.” - the Ancient Texts

“A prudent man forseeth the evil, and hideth himself - but the simple pass on, and are punished.” - The Preacher of Jerusalem