Spiritual Disciplines | Simplicity
In beginning to look at the outward disciplines, there is a certain appropriate poetic irony in starting with the discipline of simplicity. This particular discipline lays the foundation for all the other outward disciples that come after it. All outward expressions of faith and piety run the continued risk of fueling our own narcissism in an effort to present ourselves holier than others. Simplicity rejects the notion that our sense of worth comes from material objects and social status. Only God can sustain our worth and define our purpose and identity whether or not other affirm it.
While practicing simplicity there are two competing extremes that both miss the point of creation and things. On one side, ascetism seeks to abstain from all pleasure and views all material things as inherently evil. On the other side is the indulgent belief that we should satisfy our carnal pleasures merely because they exist. In truth, there is a balance where we understand that creation is the work of God and everything has its place and is intended as a blessing but is completely unable to take the place of God in our life. Having possessions cannot make us a better or worse person nor can status serve as our defining feature. Our sense of worth can only be given from God whether or not people choose to affirm it. When we become willing to submit our posses before the Lord, not living outside of our means or beyond the intended purpose of creation, we will find a simplicity where we can enjoy our possessions while enjoying the abundance of the Lord.
Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:21-26, ESV
Types of Simplicity
We say that Jesus is everything. And if Jesus is everything then anything else is nothing. We say this all the time but do we actually believe it? The spiritual discipline of simplicity confronts our needs to seek out things, not as blessings of a life-giving God, but as life-giving in and of themselves. When we truly believe that Jesus Christ is our everything, then we will be able to live in simplicity knowing that with Christ, we have all we need. In that moment, we can enjoy possessions and riches in their proper position; as a blessing from God.
- Wealth Obtaining money is not inherently sinful as some would like to imply. However, it’s place in our lives can quickly become idolatrous. One of the biggest benefits of tithing comes from prioritizing our finances. We offer the first 10% of our income as an offering to the Lord, in faith that He will sustain us. Even beyond that, living simply gives us the ability to give generously. By choosing to live in simplicity, we trust the Lord for our daily bread, our safety, and our sustenance. Furthermore, we can become a force of generosity to impact our community and the larger world.
- Possessions Similar to wealth, simplicity involves not collecting an abundance of things. We live out of the means of God’s provision. The latest toy, gadget, and technology, while they may be alluring, can never sustain the deep yearning of the soul for significance. The more things we have the more we are bound by those same things. Instead, living in simplicity understands that the flash and appeal of owning the newest and greatest thing will not deepen or promote our importance. Our identity comes from Jesus Christ alone who gives us all we need.
- Status One of the largest temptations and complications to simplicity comes from the pursuit of status. Most of our complications either stem from trying to prove our sense of worth or accomplishment to ourselves (from comparing to others), or trying to stand in our own status for the world to see and validate our very existence. Jesus’ work on the cross demonstrated our sense of worth and set our feet on the foundation of eternity, all while we had earned nothing. We do not have to be the best, the top, or the smartest. Christ holds all these positions and offers for us to sit in His presence. Simplicity embraces the fullness of a perfect God and finds contentment in Him. Status becomes irrelevant as we unify ourselves with Jesus Christ who reigns forever on the throne.
We do not need to fear or balk at simplicity but embrace it for the blessing from God it is. We have everything we need to fully enjoy the presence of God. Yet, in His great grace, God sought to bless humanity with creation. We must never, though, worship creation and seek its presence. Instead, earnestly seek after the presence of God. His view of us defines us fully and sustains our being. Possessions, money, and status all have the ability to distract us from what is important. They require constant maintenance and upkeep. We do not need things when we have the Lord an the infinite and faithful God who continually seeks His people to return them to Himself.
