as the new year is right around the corner, i have been thinking about some things i want to change for the upcoming months and why i feel called to strive for more simplicity in 2021. i know all the rage recently has been about minimalism, and I'll admit, i'm into it—it's definitely my favorite kind of style and aesthetic. however, as i begin to dig deeper into the concept of being a 'minimalist' and see what the Bible has to say about how we should live, i've found this is something I definitely want to maintain in my life.
as a Christian, i am called to live a life of simplicity and thankfulness, and knowing this, i want to start (and continue) to simplify my life in all areas. leading a simple life has more to do than just getting rid of things, although that can definitely play a part in it. it also plays a role in our thoughts and how we live our lives every single day.
there are specifically three areas where i want to see a change in my own life as i continue to strive toward a more simple way of life, allowing me to focus on the things that really matter. in no way will i ever be perfect, and it will look different for everyone, but every stride in the right direction is positive movement towards in the right direction, which to me, is worth it.
1. we are saving up treasure, either for this temporary life or our future eternal life.
where are we saving our treasure? i think it becomes easy for those of us living in first world countries to be captivated—and even consumed—by material things (guilty of this) and things of this world, whether it be clothing, cars, fame, popularity, status, success, food, number of followers/likes on social media, comfort... the list goes on. every day, we have the choice to ultimately store treasures for ourselves in this world or store treasures in heaven. the beautiful mystery of it all is that God offers a treasure to us that will last forever: a relationship with Jesus. and that, my friends, is amazing; there is nothing worth more than knowing Jesus.
2. we are called to be content.
"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content... for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils." I Timothy 6:6-10 (emphasis added)
"Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15 ESV (emphasis added)
both of these verses point to many things, but ultimately, it calls us to be content with what we have been blessed with. there is much to be said about someone who is content with what they have. our lives shouldn't revolve around wanting more and more, for that is not why we are here on this earth. our main goal should be to bring glory and honor to God in everything we do. (Matthew 28:18-20) but how can we do these things if we are caught up in always wanting more? and more? let us be content with what we have been given, keeping the focus on Christ and not on possessions.
3. we are called to be thankful.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I Thessalonians 5:9 ESV (emphasis added)
when we have an attitude of gratitude, our perspectives are shifted from self to others. we become more focused on the blessings God has given us, rather than on the things we don't have. let us ask God to reveal these idols in our hearts, the ones that have captured our attention away from Christ, and repent. may we be captivated by Jesus as the new year comes, with all its anticipation and excitement. may we strive to live simpler. it's a process, and definitely doesn't happen overnight, but i think as we realign our perspectives, the easier we can let go of the clutter and things that overtake our homes and hearts. (i wrote this post about simplifying 10 specific areas of your life that might help if you need a place to start.)
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