'tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free
This is Felicia Ferguson with Christian Mix 106, helping you build faith for the journey.
The spiritual discipline of simplicity is both inward and outward, but before you groan and start looking at everything in your house and wondering what you have to give away to follow this discipline, let me assure you it is not “take all of your things and give them to the poor.” Rather simplicity is simply keeping the main thing the main thing. Seeking the kingdom of God first in your life and lifestyle.
According to Richard Foster in celebration of discipline, “the person who does not seek the kingdom first does not seek it at all.” And likely they live a life of idolatry. No, we may not be worshiping golden calves, or other physical idols, but anything that prioritizes itself over the kingdom in our lives whether it’s our own success, money, hobbies, or even our family it is an idol in our lives.
Following the discipline of simplicity gets us back to an authentic Christian life and lifestyle. It fosters an inward spirit of trust where we are able to be joyfully unconcerned about or for our possessions. When we see, God is our provider rather than our job or our finances, we will be free from anxiety and striving. If God feeds the birds and clothes the flowers, why would he not take care of us, his beloved children? Simplicity means the freedom to trust God for all things. Our job, our reputation, our finances.
The outward discipline of simplicity does require us to give some of our things away. Anything that is an addiction in our lives, that separates us from God, must be released. Whether that’s possessions, foods, or even relationships, again we should be seeking first the kingdom of God, then all those things will be added to your life, but in their right order. Our desire for them will change when we have the simple perspective of kingdom first. And sometimes, once we’ve released them, we’ll question why we held on so tightly to them in the first place.
Do you really need the latest gadget or fad fashion? Or is that desire more to fill a hole that only God can fill? I’m not saying don’t buy gadgets or be unfashionable. What I’m saying is when you put your credit card down to purchase the item, do a self-check. Ask God if you have a stronghold in your life, like an addiction or unmet need, that you are trying to fill with this purchase. If the answer is yes, then discipline yourself to put the item back on the shelf. Choose simplicity rather than being constantly trapped by more. You’ll find a freedom unlike any other.
This is Felicia Ferguson. Thanks for listening to Christian Mix 106.
