Monday, June 12, 2017

Blissful Simplicity


Less can truly be more, with less stress and a greater focus on the important and the essential.

June’s Awakening, Day 12

Blissful are the simple, for they shall have much peace.

 —Thomas à Kempis 

 

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19–21 NIV

 

            You don’t have to be Amish or the member of a traditionalist Christian group to appreciate and practice the spiritual discipline of simplicity. Less can be gain when you align your heart and treasure with God.

            Simplicity. The spiritual discipline of simplicity is one that most of us might outwardly reject, yet you do not need to be the “mountain man” nor live the Amish lifestyle to put into practice many of the principles of simplicity. In fact, you might find them quite appealing, practical, and freeing. Simplicity is an inward reality that results in an outward lifestyle and both are essential to the discipline. It is, most assuredly, getting back to the basics and essentials in life, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The objective is to wage war on, and eliminate, everything which may serve to interfere with your primary allegiance to God. Possessions are most notable in this regard, so the focus is typically on the proper perspective of possessions and a total trust and reliance upon God.

            Here are the three essential internal attitudes which must first be made concrete in the heart and mind before the outward expression of simplicity can be made manifest. First—an inherent understanding that everything we have we receive from God as a gift. It comes not by our own hands, but only through God’s grace. Second—the faith and trust that everything we have is in God’s care, and it can be as easily removed as it is given. Third—the belief and mindset that everything we have should be made available to others to share, loan, or give away if that need in them arises. We worry and cling to possessions as if our life depended upon them, but our Father knows what we need and will assuredly supply that need and more (Matthew 6:25–34). Do you own your possessions or do they own you? Who is the servant and who is the master? You must ask yourself these tough questions and resolve to make life changes. Embracing the practice of simplicity can do wonders to help alleviate stress, worry, and anxiety.

            Tomorrow we will look at ten ways that you can employ the practice of simplicity in your life.

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