My spiritual discipline for the week is simplicity. I decided one of my goals (note: I set goals! and liked it) this year is to pick a different discipline every week and spend that week studying and practicing it. So, here are some thoughts so far on simplicity. This is about keeping the main thing the main thing. I didn't realize how many other things there are constantly asking for attention or innocently distracting, but seriously if Jesus is the main thing (which He is) then he needs to stay there. It really is crazy the amount of identity that I let get wrapped up in things like what I own and where I am going. I even tend to characterize people by their choice in style or the places that they go, things they spend their money on. When did these things become a means of identity? So, this week is about getting back to my roots and staying there. Why do I complicate life with things that are so unnecessary? The reason we ( I am speaking for the vast majority of humanity... I realize this is something one should not take lightly) are so stressed out and busy is so self-imposed; we choose to complicate our lives with little electronic devices that allow people to constantly be in contact with us and we have a constant flow of largely useless information. Why do we do this to ourselves? I do it to myself everyday. I am choosing this month to limit my internet/phone time, not do any shopping (except for food), keep track of everything I spend money on, intentionally limit my choices of food & clothing, and really pay attention to what I allow to come out of my mouth so that my 'yes' and 'no' are legit. The scripture God really used to convict me about this as well as really confirm in my heart the holiness and necessity of simplicity is Phillipians 4: 10-20.
"Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
I think a lot of my speech comes out of want, and I am eager to learn what it means to truly live simply in heart, mind, and body.
1 comment:
We're teaching my nephew the difference between "want" and "need" right now. He keeps saying he "needs" something, and I'm finding that maybe 1 out of a whole days worth of "I need this, I need that" is something he actually needs. Simplicity seems to be a lesson learned and relearned your whole life. Enjoy your time with the Lord this week as He teaches you how to live in Him for everything!
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