There is a definite movement of those who are embracing minimalism or simple living. As a young mom, I was so overwhelmed with toys and keeping up with all the things. However, after choosing to live more simple lifestyle, I was able to let go of cultural expectations and material things. I could fully embrace the motherhood calling God had for me. That is why we’re going to talk about simple living, specifically Christian simple living. I want you to learn more about what it means to live simply and why we should.
I don’t know if you feel the same, but living a simple life has a certain appeal. The idea of having peace in our homes, spending time investing in our family and others, and having space to enjoy the things we love sounds amazing! Having the time to invest in our relationships with God and those around us is what Christian simple living is all about.
What is Christian Simple Living?
You may have heard of simple living or the minimalism movement, but what is Christian simple living? Is it even a thing? While similar to simple living in the general sense of letting go of the abundance of possessions and activities, Christian simple living has a bit of different reasoning. We’re not weighed down by material possessions or caught up in the expectations of family, friends, or culture. We have the time and space to fully embrace the life God has called us to because we are letting go of the things that hinder us from living fully as a follower of Jesus. Living more simply allows us to live a life of commitment to God.
Now, just to be clear, simplicity in Christianity will not get you to heaven. However, living a quiet, simple life can help you have the time and space to grow in your relationship with God. One of the main reasons Christian simple living is so ideal is that it allows us to let go of the clutter in our lives and embrace the peace that comes with living fully for God. Sound good to you? The following quote pretty much sums it up.
We simplify, not just to be less busy, even though we may be right to pursue that. Rather, we simplify to remove distractions from our pursuit of Christ. We prune activities from our lives, not only to get organized, but also that our devotion to Christ and service for His kingdom will be more fruitful. We simplify, not merely to save time, but to eliminate hindrances to the time we devote to knowing Christ. All the reasons we simplify should eventually lead us to Jesus Christ.
Donald S. Whitney
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What does the Bible Say about Simple Living?
Before we go any further, let’s see what the Bible actually says about simple living. I found that there are plenty of Bible verses on living simply. Many of these verses talk about how we should be focused on heavenly things and not the things of this present world. They speak of how we should not live selfishly. Culture today is all about having the latest and greatest, but is that what is really important?
Bible verses about simplicity
Here are some great verses that remind you to behave in this world with simplicity. Look out for others, set your mind on eternal things, and walk humbly with God. As we listen to God’s voice, the good news is that the love of money and things fades away. We instead desire the abundant life Jesus has for us.
2 Corinthians 1:12
“For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.” (ESV)
This verse is Paul speaking. He is boasting about this simplicity and godly sincerity. He was all about Christ and His message to the world.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
The striving to gain the things of the world is full of “selfish ambition,” so as we learn to live more humbly, we will care less about the things of earth. We will instead care more about the love of God and others. We will grow to desire a more simple life.
Colossians 3:1-2
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
In this letter to the Colossians, Paul is telling them not to be so concerned about the things of this world. It is the things that are of eternal value that are most important. It’s hard to focus on the eternal when we have so many things to distract us in today’s world. An eternal perspective is far from our minds when we’re too busy with the worries of this life.
Micah 6:8
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
God keeps it simple as this verse reminds us. In fact, I’m reminded of Matthew 22:37-40 which basically tells us to love God first and people second. Instead of aspiring to bigger houses, ascetic lifestyles, and busy schedules, let us instead focus on the simple ways to live the Christian life well.
As moms, unless we prioritize our relationship with God, it can easily fall by the wayside. Learn more about growing closer to God. As we grow closer to Him, we become a better wife and mother as well.
Bible verses about simple living
Following are some more verses to remind you to look upward and outward in your focus during daily life. These Bible verses remind you not to collect possessions or live for this world, which can be so hard in today’s culture. God’s Word is what has the answers you need to live a more simple living lifestyle.
Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
“ And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.”
Here in Ecclesiastes, Solomon realized the futility of chasing after material possessions. He talks about all his strivings and accomplishments, but then says they are all “vanity.”
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Here Jesus tells us specifically NOT to let our treasure be earthly. These things are nice, but they don’t last. This is a great reminder to use what God has given us to bless others in turn.
1 John 2:16
“For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
The desire to please self is a worldly one. It is countercultural to be looking out for how you can serve and bless others, but that’s just what God has called us to do. The fear of the Lord should come above our fear of others and what they think.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”
Paul then reminds Timothy that if we have food and clothing, we need to just be content. Ouch! We think we need WAY more than that, and we unknowingly teach our little children the same. We forget that life isn’t about our stuff but about the kingdom of God.
Luke 12:15
“And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'”
Be on guard, Mama! It doesn’t matter what your friend has or what your neighbor has. Take care that you are not focused on this world but on Christ. These harmful desires seek to pull you away from the firm foundation of Jesus.
Ecclesiastes 5:10-11
“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes?”
Having a lot of money and possessions will never truly satisfy. Yes, you may enjoy things temporarily, but this will not last. That’s why next we’re going to look at how Jesus lived.
The Value of Simplicity Prayer Journal takes some of the most popular verses about simplicity and puts it into an easy to use journal where you can pray through each verses and then write down your prayer requests along with dates that those prayer requests were answered.
How did Jesus Live His Life on Earth
Jesus lived a simple life. How did Jesus live a life of simplicity? As you study the life of Jesus, you can see how Christian minimalism can come into play. When you’re reading the Gospels, you will never hear Jesus talk about what He was wearing, about His possessions, or about where He lived. In fact, He told the rich young ruler who asked Him how he could have eternal life, to sell his possessions and give to the poor. Jesus knew that possessions can very easily distract us and weigh us down.
Jesus spent His life here on earth investing in relationships. He spent time in prayer with God the Father, and He invested in the growth of His twelve disciples. He was willing to spend hours teaching and healing the crowds. Jesus didn’t rush from one place to another but took His time to meet the needs around Him. He was intentional, thoughtful, and purposeful. How can we be more like that? He took the time to notice the needs around Him. Jesus lived simply.
God wants us to Live a Simple Life
God wants what is best for you, and He doesn’t want you to live a life tied to your stuff or your schedule. He wants you to be fully devoted to Him. Whether God has financially blessed you or not, you are to use what He gives you for His glory. It shouldn’t have a hold on you or distract you from following Him.
Are you ready to embrace Christian simple living? Are you ready to live fully into the calling God has given you as a wife? A Christion mother? Choose one thing to cut out of your life today; something that is holding you back or distracting you from God.
Be sure to also read:
- Are You Living Intentionally?
- 15 Ways to Serve Others as a Family
- How to Simplify Your Schedule: 6 Easy Tips
