The Discipline of Simplicity

The Discipline of Simplicity

Matthew 6:22-24; Matthew 6:25-33; Philippians 4:11-13; 2 Timothy 2:4; Colossians 3:5; Revelation 3:15-18

We live in a culture that promotes dissatisfaction and a lack of contentment with what we have in life, especially as it relates to material possessions.  As a result, many times our possessions own us and control the way that we direct our lives.  If we are to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, we must learn to relate to the physical world around us in a proper way.

1. God is jealous for the affections of His people and fully expects that our highest priority will be spending time with Him in pursuit of righteousness and the expansion of the kingdom of God. All other pursuits in life should pale in comparison.    (Verse 33; Exodus 20:2-6; James 4:1-4)

2. We are not to be anxious over the basic necessities of life, such as food and clothing, because God has promised to provide for our every need. In fact, our anxiety betrays our lack of trust in God’s ability to provide in spite of His demonstrated ability to provide for the lowest in creation. It also may reflect our desire to not be dependent upon God in order that we might direct our own life.

Richard Foster in his book, Celebration of Discipline, makes the following points:

• The Christian discipline of simplicity must be an inward reality that results in an outward life-style, and any attempt to change the outward life-style without the inner reality will result in legalism.

• This is one area where the church has lost its battle with the world. Our need for security and our lust for affluence have made the Biblical ideal of simplicity an unachievable goal. “This discipline directly challenges our vested interests in an affluent life-style.”

• The inner reality of simplicity is characterized by 3 attitudes about our possessions; all that we have is a gift from God (stewardship), what we have is to be cared for by God and all that we have is available to others. When we are actively seeking the kingdom of God, these 3 attitudes will characterize our lives.

• The discipline of simplicity is not concerned only with our possessions but also includes our preoccupation with status, position and power. It includes any unhealthy needs within us to have the recognition or approval of others and invites us to use plain and honest speech.

• Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.
• Reject anything that produces an addiction in you. 
• Develop a habit of giving things away.
• Refuse the temptation of modern gadgetry.
• Learn to enjoy things without owning them.
• Develop a deeper appreciation for creation.
• Avoid the use of credit to defer payment.
• Obey Jesus’ instructions about plain and honest speech (Mt. 5:37).
• Reject anything that breeds the oppression of others.
• Shun whatever would distract you from your main goal.

 Application

Read through Matthew 6:25-33 and consider the following questions.

• Does this describe your present experience? Do you wish that it did?

• Do think that it is possible to live without anxiety about material needs? What would that require? What is God’s promise to you?

• What would your life look like on a daily, weekly or monthly basis if you sought first the kingdom of God and His righteousness? Be specific.

• Do you consider your possessions to be available for others use and enjoyment?

• Can you honestly say that the 3 attitudes that Foster describes as essential to the spirit of simplicity are characteristic of your life?

• If you had to choose one word that describes the highest value in our culture today what would it be? (Success. Money. Sex. Materialism. Pleasure. Entertainment. Power. How about the word more?)

Author

Bruce Kotila

Pastor Bruce is the Executive Director of God's Living Stones.  He lives in Omaha, NE, with his wife Barb. They have two adult children.