The Necessities

For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity.

2 Corinthians 1:12 ESV

What everyday things can you absolutely not live without? Your phone? A cup (or two or three cups) of coffee? Here’s a freeing fact: you can live with so much less than you think you can!

I learned that when my hand cream and hairspray were confiscated in an airport, and then, when I hopped off the plane three thousand miles later for a speaking engagement, my bags had been lost! I was mortified that I’d have to speak in my track suit and sneakers, flaky-handed, and flat-haired. But when I began preaching, the Spirit of the Lord moved, and I forgot all about it. God was what was important, and He was there in power! He still did everything He was there to do, and it was a joy.

To live effectively, let’s master the art of simplifying our lives. Of all our supposed necessities, loving God and loving others are the only two we absolutely can’t live without (Mark 12:28–31). Everything else is a nice bonus, but God is the one who empowers us to do His work—not hair spray or coffee. And we can depend on Him to always provide, to always come through.

Lord, teach me how to simplify my life, so I can remember what is important to You.