Simplicity

Simplicity

Strip away all excess baggage and nonessential trappings until you have come into the stark reality of the Kingdom of God.

Richard J. Foster

Allow Me to reshuffle your priorities. Part of your stress is coming from comparing what you have with what others have, and from acquiring things that appear to help you fit in with the culture around you. That mind-set can evolve into competition, jealousy, and a never-ending desire to “fix” your life by buying something else. Instead of bringing joy, it brings agitation, discomfort, and an unsettled heart.

Simplicity begins within you—with a determination to care for the needs of others, before accumulating things that make you look impressive. Turn away from anything that distracts you from seeking the Kingdom of God first. Living a simple life gives you freedom instead of bondage. It brings balance and relief instead of anxiety and fear. I intend for you to have adequate provision, but nurture a heart attitude that says, “Lord, help me to sense Your leading to give away what I don’t need and to keep my life simple enough that the things I’ve accumulated do not become an unnecessary burden.”

Don’t store up treasures here on earth. . . . Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Matthew 6:19-21