Seeking Simplicity
by Tom Ellsworth
Nothing is simple anymore. Calendar commitments balloon with every year. The list of wants – not needs – grows longer every month. Our schedules stress us more every week. From morning ‘til night our lives are packed to the gills.
Throughout the last century, we have tried to invent new ways to simplify our lives and reduce stress, only to accomplish the opposite. The personal computer was designed to reduce the work week by several hours. It was assumed that by the time we reached the twenty-first century people would have a shorter work week and more free time due to such advances in technology. But here we are, nearly a quarter of the way into this new century, and we are busier than ever. It’s true my cell phone is smarter than I am, but it hasn’t helped me simplify my life. I suspect your family’s routine is complicated by the fact that nearly every night of the week is scheduled and that just having supper together is a real challenge.
And if you are still not convinced about the complexity of our current day, consider this: the intellectual content of an entire lifetime of someone living in the 6th century, King Arthur’s day, could be contained in one Sunday’s issue of the New York Times! Burning the candle at both ends only shortens the life of the candle!
The apostle Paul accomplished much for the Lord and yet never took his eyes off Jesus. He discovered contentment and simplicity and writes about such in Philippians.
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)
So how can we develop a simpler life?
BE THANKFUL FOR EVERY GIFT.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians is in part a thank you note. The Philippian congregation took it upon themselves to help meet Paul’s financial needs. The gift may not have been much since previously there was no opportunity to give. Regardless, Paul’s gratitude was for their partnership in his ministry, not the amount given. Paul understood a simple, contented life begins with thankfulness.
Perhaps we are guilty of thinking we deserve God’s blessings; that God owes us something for our service. Or perhaps we think little things or small amounts don’t deserve a grateful spirit. If that is true, we need a change of heart. Stop thinking, “I deserve this” and instead develop an attitude of gratitude. It is amazing how being thankful shapes my attitude in every area of my life. Being grateful for simple blessings makes me more pleasant to be around. How about you? Simplicity comes when we learn how to be grateful and express genuine thankfulness to God!
BE CONTENT IN EVERY SITUATION.
Contentment is hard to come by in our “gotta-have-it” culture. Notice in that passage that Paul said he learned how to be content. Contentment doesn’t come naturally – it takes work! But learning to be content helps us simplify life. Consider the following thoughts on developing contentment.
Slow down – Learn to stop saying yes to everything and realize that “no” is indeed an acceptable response. Tap the brakes more often.
Move over – Let the proverbial Joneses pass you by; you don’t have to keep up with them. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wrote (quoted by Chuck Swindoll in So You Want to be Like Christ?): “Do not pursue what is illusory … It is enough if you don’t freeze in the cold. And if thirst and hunger don’t claw at your insides, if your back isn’t broken, if your feet can walk and your arms can bend, if both eyes can see, if both ears hear, then whom … whom shall you envy?”
Take your eyes off the Joneses and keep them on Christ.
Cheer up – the very nature of the rat race makes rats out of all of us. Don’t be clawing and scratching your way through life – you’ll be miserable. Be cheerful. Attack life with a positive attitude; laugh every day and help others laugh with you. Spend more energy on relationships than on real estate. Invest more resources in serving than spending. If you want simple, then slow down, move over, cheer up all while keeping your eyes on Christ.
When you are burning the candle at both ends and the flames are converging in the middle, stop! Take time to express your thanks to God and be content with who you are and what you have. Too difficult, you say? Not at all. Remember, we can do everything through him who gives us strength and he will give us the strength to simplify! In the days ahead, keep it simple by keeping your eyes on Jesus!
