Christian Simplicity

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Just as I talk a lot about un-cluttering our homes, I believe that we should also simplify our lives. My journey in life follows a path to lead to a more simple existence. Realizing that I need less stuff is just part of becoming more frugal. Frugality and simplicity go hand in hand. As a Christian, I have scriptural reasons to live more simply.

Christian living means that I’m a follower of Christ and want to follow his example. Christ wasn’t an earthly ruler. He didn’t have a throne in a castle. In fact, he didn’t even have a home when his ministry on earth began. He didn’t travel with lots of luggage and possessions. Now, I won’t be traveling from town to town like Christ did. But, living life in a simple manner is the Biblical way.

Using the Bible, it’s plain to see that trying to live a life of simplicity is the right way. Here are some scripture verses that tell us how Christians should approach their goals in life:

Simplicity Scriptures

and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, I Thess. 4:11

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust^[a] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt. 6: 19-21

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. I Tim. 6:6-7

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13

How To Live Simply As A Christian

Be content – We don’t need to compare our life with the life that someone else leads. We can and should be content with the life God has given us. That starts by being content with our wealth or lack of wealth, and our circumstances.

Live a quiet life – We don’t need to be people who are in the midst of searching for a life of fame and notoriety. We should live a quiet life, focused on God.

Work diligently – God has given us all something to do. If we’re a mother, we should be diligent and be a loving mother. Whatever our path in life we should be careful to do a good job at our work.

Live peacefully – We should try and live peaceably with others and be peacemakers with others. Being a good neighbor (and everyone is our neighbor) is part of the command where Jesus told us to “love our neighbor as ourselves”.

There is much, much more to read and study in the Bible about how to live the simple Christian life. So, I hope that you’ll take some time and learn more about Christian simplicity.

Live peacefully – We should try and live peaceably with others and be peacemakers with others. Being a good neighbor (and everyone is our neighbor) is part of the command where Jesus told us to “love our neighbor as ourselves”.

There is much, much more to read and study in the Bible about how to live the simple Christian life. So, I hope that you’ll take some time and learn more about Christian simplicity. You can also check out online Christian graduate programs if you feel inclined to further your faith-based knowledge.

@2020, copyright Lisa Ehrman