‘Tis the Season for Simplicity

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and the holiday season is now upon us. 

And as we gather shopping lists, twinkle lights, and prepare to deck the halls, may we also be reminded to protect our peace through simplicity.

Now, I know what you may be thinking, “But Trina, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!”

And I agree! I, too, love Christmas time with all of its wonder and magic. But I also believe in seeking the peace and simplicity of the Gospel. Because at the core of it all, Jesus is the reason for this most beloved holiday season, right?

What is Simplicity?

Anytime we cling to our possessions, status, or lifestyles, we run the risk of leading a complicated life. 

Remember, there is one key to simplicity.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Matthew 6:33, NKJV

As we seek God and His simple yet extraordinary ways, we will naturally have an assurance in Jehovah Jireh to supply everything we need.

When we are holding fast to our own worry about where we will live, what we will eat, and what we will wear, we will naturally lose our focus on God.

But when we chase after God, He will give us every good thing in abundance.

The Simplicity of the Disciples

We can learn a thing or two from Jesus’ disciples.

After all, they had lives, families, and livelihoods. Yet, when the King of Kings invited them to follow him, they dropped their nets of control, left their booths of provision, and worried about nothing but the next step in front of them, and they went.

They lived simple lives following Christ, devoting all their attention to Him and not their earthly needs.

So how can we, as his Bride, do the same? 

Richard Foster, the author of Celebration of Discipline, sums it up in these ten tangible ways.

10 Principles for Outward Expressions of Simplicity

1.    Buy Things for their usefulness rather than their status. Buy things because you need them, not because everyone is getting them.

2.    Reject anything producing an addition to you. If it takes your thoughts off Jesus and you find yourself obsessing over it, get rid of it!

3.    Develop a habit of giving things away. While the possessions in your closet may have served you in a particular season, always choose generosity, especially if you haven’t touched something in a while.

4.    Refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry. If it works, don’t replace it.

5.    Learn to enjoy things without owning them. Instead of buying new clothes, why not start a seasonal clothing swap with your friends? This is a great way to feel like you’re getting something new without spending frivolously.

6.    Develop a deeper appreciation for creation. Get outside and take a look around. Everything in nature is an opportunity to praise God.

7.    Look with healthy skepticism at usury (buy now, pay later) schemes. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least one week before making big purchases. Don’t get caught up in needing to have big-ticket items right away. In the long run, this will lead to paying more than the item's value!

8.    Obey Jesus’ commands regarding plain, honest speech. Let your yes be yes, and your no be no. Don’t give into big, fluffy promises you don’t intend to keep.

9.    Reject anything that breeds oppression in others. Love the Lord and love others before yourself. If something isn’t a struggle for you, it may be for your brother. Be sensitive in honoring them above your desires.

10. Shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the kingdom of God. If something is repeatedly taking up your thoughts, chances are, it has become an idol. Steer clear of those things!

These helpful guidelines will not only keep your focus off wanting to acquire more but will keep you grounded in your Christian walk.

Richard Foster says, “Simplicity is the only thing that sufficiently reorients our lives so that possessions can be genuinely enjoyed without destroying us.”

You will know you're operating in the discipline of simplicity when you find yourself taking what you have and giving it to other people. Through this generosity, God will use you to show others just how much He loves them as He blesses them with things you no longer need. 

Because you have been blessed to be a blessing.

How will you bless someone through simplicity this holiday season?