Simplicity
Luke 12:22 - 34
When it comes to the spiritual disciples, simplicity can tend to feel the least *spiritual* compared to those such as scripture reading, prayer, and fasting. Sometimes, it’s left off the list altogether. Although it has been a crucial discipline of the church, we read about in scripture and the church throughout history. The American church has tended to, conveniently leave this practice on the back burner. But not so with us. Jesus talks passionately about simplicity, and the early church “shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.” According to Jesus, what one does with their possessions, money, and mind is of utmost spiritual importance.
Jesus is not merely interested in our minds or our thoughts or our souls, but with our physical being and with the earth. Afterall, when God created humanity, he called them to “fill the earth and subdue it (Genesis 1)” He came to earth as a person himself, doing all the human things - eating, drinking, walking, laughing, crying. When all things are restored, the earth will not be replaced by some disembodied existence but rather by a “new earth” (Revelation 21) where God dwells with humanity. While the connotation of the word “spiritual” in our culture might evoke non-physical or ethereal ideas, to Jesus, that which is physical is just as spiritual as the non-physical.
But before we begin to simplify by getting rid of our clothes or and possessions and money, we must recognize that Jesus' call to simplicity is first and foremost a call to simplify where one puts their heart, or in other words, its desires. A follower of Jesus lives a life of simplicity when their heart is set on Jesus and his kingdom. Without receiving the love and provision of God, we will attempt to live simple lives only to complicate them with bitterness and envy towards what other people have. The spiritual discipline of simplicity is the discipline of being content in Jesus.
Jesus tells his disciples not to worry twice in these 10 verses, then follows it up with a “do not be afraid.” We know and he knows that it is not as easy as willing oneself to be worry-free and unafraid. This is Jesus using his classic shock-factor statements to wake his disciples from the patterns of their lives. Jesus was not telling his disciples to will themselves out of anxiety and fear, but rather to consider what they give their attention to. Are they finding their contentment and security in appearance, plans, and money or in their allegiance to Jesus and the kingdom?
We have the opportunity to practice simplicity daily by taking a look at our lives (or asking others to) and simplifying areas that are tempting to put our contentment in. Just like the other spiritual disciplines, simplicity is a lifelong practice. When we find our contentment in Jesus, our lives look different because it means we aren’t finding contentment in the things the world around us does. As you practice simplicity, you might also consider setting up some guardrails to help yourself maintain a simplicity of heart. Here are some questions to prompt you:
How does your budget reflect a simple, yet generous life? Do you need to make a budget or adjust some spending?
How often do you shop and buy more clothes? Are these habits promoting ethical consumption? Are your shopping habits causing you to always want more?
Is your house full of clutter or things you don’t need? How does this affect your anxieties? Is there someone who could use these things more than you?
Are you devoting your time, heart, and energy to things that build the kingdom and are meaningful to you? If not, how could you simplify your schedule to reflect a simple and consistent devotion to what God has called you to?
