Living a life of simplicity is not about going
Amish.
It is about learning to live biblically in the midst
of an affluent culture. It’s about recognizing that God provides all and owns
all so that we can be a greater blessing in generosity. It’s not striving after
more in this life, but striving more after the kingdom of God that lasts
forever.
For this week, go back to Richard Foster’s list of “Ten
Practical Ways to Live out Simplicity” that I shared in my sermon this past
week. Pray through this list. Let it challenge you. Are there some listed that
move you emotionally (anger, frustration, compassion)? What is God trying to
stretch in you?
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- First, buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.
- Second, reject anything that is producing an addiction in you.
- Third, develop a habit of giving things away.
- Fourth, refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry.
- Fifth, learn to enjoy things without owning them.
- Sixth, develop a deeper appreciation for the creation.
- Seventh, look with a healthy skepticism at all “buy now, pay later” schemes.
- Eighth, obey Jesus’ instructions about plain, honest speech.
- Ninth, reject anything that breeds the oppression of others.
- Tenth, shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the kingdom of God.
Richard Foster wrote Celebration of Discipline and Freedom
of Simplicity. I recommend both of these.
What about you? How have you seen the spiritual
discipline of simplicity be a blessing to you in your life so that you could be
a blessing to others?
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