Simplicity.

For a change of pace within my bible study, we decided to study an actual book rather than a book in the Bible. For the past few weeks we have been reading Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. Much is to be learned within the pages of this book, and I must say I have learned much about discipline. This past week we discussed the discipline of Simplicity. But I had so many unanswered questions before the discussion with my group even began. What does simplicity even mean? What does it mean to live a simple life? Does this definition vary from person to person? Are Peter and I living simply? My answer to that questions is YES. However, do we live simply because we choose to or because we have to, and I couldn't help but wonder if things would be different if we made more money? Also what does it look like to live extravagantly? Does that definition also vary from person to person? Place to place?

According to some standards, Peter and I do live extravagantly. We live in a brand new apartment building. We have food in our fridge, gas in our car, and loads of clothes in our closet. We have money in the bank, clean, safe water from the tap, and warm blankets on our bed. To some this is extravagant, but for some, like ourselves, this is normal. Is it okay to be okay with the normalcy of these things? Should we expect more than this? Should we desire more than the most basic things? Is it okay to spend hundreds of dollars on clothes when that hundreds of dollars could go toward something that would last? Is it okay to spend fifty dollars at a restaurant for a date night when that same fifty dollars would feed 200 kids in Malawi? Is it okay? I think these are questions we should ask ourselves, and I suppose the answer will vary per person...but is that even okay?

Some Simplicity Goodies...

Simplicity is freedom. Simplicity sets us free to receive the provision of God as a gift that is not ours to keep and can be freely shared with others.

The Christian Discipline of simplicity is an inward reality that results in an outward life-style.

Buy things for their usefulness, not their status. Reject anything that is producing and addiction in you. Develop a habit of giving things away. Learn to enjoy things without owning them. Develop a deeper appreciation for the creation. Reject anything that breeds the oppression of others. Shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the Kingdom of God.