Over the next couple of months I’ve joined up with a great group of church leaders and writers to explore some of the practical applications for individuals and churches of living Inside Out. I believe you’ll be blessed and challenged by their thoughts, so please make an effort to check back to this blog throughout July and August to join this Summer Blog Tour. Read other posts in this series HERE.
There is also a giveaway at the end of the Tour and the winner will receive a copy of the book and workbook, Church Inside Out by Timothy Archer. Leave a comment below and then click HERE to enter the giveaway.
Simplicity Inside Out
by Scott Elliott
Simplicity is a popular topic in some circles nowadays. We live in a culture driven by consumerism and materialism. As we swim in a sea of accumulation, it has not led us to be happier or more satisfied with life. We are beginning to see a pendulum shift with the rise of minimalism. Since we have discovered obtaining things is not the key to a meaningful life, some people are ready to try simplicity.
Simplicity sounds like a viable alternative to the cluttered and busy life many of us know too well. The turn towards minimalism is a welcome trend in our culture since it is more in line with the teachings of Jesus. However, the biblical teaching on simplicity is not just about what one owns or where one lives. Simplicity must begin from within. Jesus says,
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
Our desires begin in the heart. If a person is going to simplify their life, then they must desire less. The way to do this is to focus on the heart.
One of the most well-known passages concerning simplicity is Matthew 6:25-34. This section is marked by the word “anxious” found in verses 25 and 34. In verse 25 Jesus commands, “do not be anxious about your life” and in verse 34 he commands, “do not be anxious about tomorrow.” This entire passage is about trusting in God to provide. God feeds the birds. He clothes the lilies. If he does these things, then he will certainly make sure his followers are clothed and fed as well.
The argument continues to build until in verses 32-33 as Jesus contrasts the way the world lives with how Christians are supposed to live. People who live by a worldly standard seek after worldly things. They seek after money, possessions, and power. Followers of Jesus are expected to desire the kingdom of God rather than material possessions and wealth. Christians are called to live a simple life with God at the center.
In Matthew 6 Jesus talks about food and clothing. He speaks to his followers about simplifying their outward life, but we must remember this all began with a statement about what the heart desires (Matt. 6:21). You cannot change what you are doing on the outside without first changing what is going on inside of you. This is made evident in Philippians 4:6-7.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Paul uses the language of Jesus. He gives a similar command to the ones Jesus gave in Matthew 6:25, 34. The difference here is that Paul is speaking of inward things rather than outward things. He is instructing Christians regarding an inward peace that God provides those who are following the path of Jesus. When a follower of God commits to not being anxious or being overwhelmed with worry and instead turns to God in prayer and thankfulness, then they are filled with “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.”
The right desires, inner peace, not being anxious, and prayer are all inward things that lead us to a life of simplicity. Our outward life is directly tied to our inward life. A life of simplicity is not just about owning less stuff.
It is about desiring the right things and trusting in a God who will not disappoint.
Scott Elliott is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and Austin Graduate School of Theology. He lives in La Grange, TX and is the minister for the La Grange Church of Christ. Scott is married and has two sons. He enjoys writing about the Christian faith and posting the occasional film review. His articles and reviews have appeared in RELEVANT magazine, Englewood Review of Books, and other publications. He also blogs regularly at Resurrected Living.
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Thank you so much Scott, for your thoughts on the spiritual nature of simplicity: desiring fewer things and more of God. This encouraged me because I shared a message on this passage at my church about 6 weeks ago, but you saw some things here that I hadn’t. Yes, simplicity is not just about fewer things, it’s about an uncluttered heard. Less anxiety.
Betsy de Cruz recently posted…One Easy Way to Be Good News
I would have loved to hear your message, Betsy!! I love the phrase uncluttered heart. Some days I wish my mind and heart would just slow down a little. 🙂
A cluttered life is certainly evidence of a cluttered heart. Jesus knew — and said — that we can’t serve two masters, but we’re determined to try!
Michele Morin recently posted…A Different Kind of Woman
We certainly are determined to try, Michele. I’m glad we can remind one another to let stuff go!
Thank you both Holly and Scott. This post meant much to me as I have been looking at this same passage lately. Your thoughts certainly added to the ones already mulling around in my heart and mind. I so appreciated this post. And I LOVE when God works this way in my life through the words of others confirming His Word to my life. Blessings to you both!
That’s when I know He really wants me to heed His message, right? When it shows up over and over again?! Love that. Thanks for your kind words, Joanne. xoxo
Great post! As I grow in faith, I desire more of a purpose in His kingdom. I desire less of the world’s fluff, but can’t seem to get enough of Him.
Thanks for the linkup Holly!
Julie
So true, Julie. More of Him and less of me! Thanks for being here friend.
I love the passage where John the Baptist said, “He must increase, I must decrease.” I think that is what it all boils down to. John knew the secret, and he lived a life unbound to the things of this world, in order to achieve the mission he was sent for. And, what an amazing mission it was as the forerunner of Jesus Christ! So thankful for you, Holly, and trust God blesses you with a wonderful day in Him!
What a great description, Cheryl. I want to live unbound to the things of the world too. And only hold on to those things that are truly important. Happy week, friend!
Scott, love the wisdom you shared today. Surrender really makes things simple. It’s all HIs, and so am I.
Oh so true, Lyli. Surrender makes things simple. I’m going to need to remember that…and you might have to remind me from time to time! 🙂
Such a great post, Scott. God’s been showing me over the past few years that simplicity really does begin in the heart. In a culture that extols busy-ness, it’s challenging to find time to be still and really evaluate where my heart is. This is something Jesus has been calling me to be intentional about.
I loved what you said here: “You cannot change what you are doing on the outside without first changing what is going on inside of you.”
Thank you for sharing this perspective!
It does take intentionality, doesn’t it, Jeanne? Otherwise, we just go through life picking up lots of baggage and busy-ness without even thinking about it. Thanks for reminding us to be still and evaluate.
One of the most “real” examples of Matthew 6.21 for me was the month after my mom suddenly went to heaven in October 2012 at the age of almost-87. Her one-bedroom apartment had no treasures hidden in its closets or drawers. Everything our mother had was faux and fake because her meager income was used for her earthly living expenses and Kingdom investing! Mom lived on her own until the day she walked within the gates.
THAT lesson had feet for me and I now look at everything quite differently. Great post and series.
Susan, what a testimony from your mom’s life! My mother had the opposite experience when, as a teen, she lost her grandmother. Mom and her mom went to clean out the grandmother’s home and found drawers and closets full of stuff that had been put away for “company.” Beautiful things that had never been used but had rotted in their drawers and boxes. God blesses us so we can use those blessings to bless other people. Great reminder for me too to hold on to this world’s treasures with a loose hand.