Simplicity is not as “Simple” as you think.
Leading a “simple life” in our modern culture is not held in high esteem. Simple is often seen as boring, “less than" or lacking interest.
Leonardo da Vinci said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
While Leonardo is known for his incredible art, his contemporaries spoke of his kindness and generosity with others, saying that "he was so generous that he fed all his friends, rich and poor…"
Simplicity has always had generosity and openhandedness at its core. The concept of loving people and using things (motto for “the minimalists”) is coupled with a ruthless trust in God that He will always provide for what we need.
We're now seeing a growing sub-cultural movement toward minimalism. Netflix has a show, The Minimalists, about a duo who helps people get rid of excess stuff in their lives. Joshua Becker, an online influencer, wrote a book called, Things That Matter which promotes simple living. Perhaps you have heard of Marie Kondo, who asks people to keep only the things that “spark joy.”
The Goal is to De-clutter Your Life.
One of the unforced rhythms of grace that I’ve been learning is the rhythm of simplicity.
The only rival god that Jesus warned us about is Mammon. In Matthew 6:24 he explains that one cannot serve two masters and that we can’t serve both God and Mammon. Mammon is the idolatry of putting money and possessions on the throne of your heart. While some would say that it's an actual spiritual entity, it’s accurate enough to say that we are tempted to put money and material things above God. We are wooed into thinking that if we had “more,” then we would be happy.
Ecclesiastes 1:8 tells us that
“the eye is not satisfied with seeing”
which is a poetic way of saying, we will never be satisfied and will always want more.
Simplicity starts with Trusting God.
Our culture constantly invites us to fill the hole in our hearts for meaning and significance with money and stuff. The mirage of “if I just had” has a strong gravitational pull. This rhythm of living in simplicity demands that we reject the tractor beam of temptation and begin to streamline, downsize and purge from our lives the “unnecessary stuff” to increase our sense of freedom.
The discipline of simplicity starts with trusting God. This posture highlights God as the giver of every good gift. He is the One who is able to protect and care for each thing he gives us. He is our example of generosity with others who are in need. I believe that the deeper you grow in trusting God, the more you will be able to live simply.
When we begin to “behave our way” into trusting God by giving things away and getting rid of the clutter that costs us time, energy, stress and money, trusting God feels more achievable. At the risk of making a legalistic list of things you must do, most people who live this out successfully do have a few guidelines or principles that help them keep from falling into becoming a collector or even a hoarder.
Disciplines of Simplicity.
Richard Foster released a book in 1978 called Celebration of Discipline, which he divided into three parts. The first part speaks about the inward disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting, and study. In the second, he discusses the outward disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission and service. The third part explains the value of corporate disciplines of confession, worship, guidance and celebration. This work is a classic read for anyone seeking to grow in the spiritual disciplines and be more intentional in living like Jesus.
You can find a link to this book on my reading list by clicking here.
Moving Forward in Simplicity.
In Chapter 6, called, “The Discipline of Simplicity,” Foster makes the following list of suggestions on how to move toward simplicity in your life. He briefly explains each one in his book, Celebration of Discipline.
- Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.
- Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you.
- Develop a habit of giving things away.
- Refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry.
- Learn to enjoy things without owning them.
- Develop a deeper appreciation for the creation.
- Look with a healthy skepticism at all “buy now, pay later” schemes.
- Obey Jesus’ instructions about plain, honest speech.
- Reject anything that breeds the oppression of others.
- Shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the Kingdom of God.
For more on this on this topic, you can hear my message "Unforced Rhythms of Grace #17, The Rhythm of Simplicity" by clicking here.
Other secular online resources include:
May you find rest for your soul as you trust God as the giver of all good things, the protector and keeper of what He has given, and your inspiration for being a generous giver! May the simplicity of trusting Jesus give you the strength to simplify and find more of His peace!
I look forward to seeing you at our Worship Service on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in the Dome.
You can also live stream our service on Facebook and YouTube at 10:00 a.m.
