Friday, July 27, 2007

simplicity

Simplicity is a spiritual discipline and one that I spend a lot of my time thinking about, more now in my life as I really try to put things in perspective.

Richard Foster's Christian classic Celebration of Discipline is a good one to read about all of the spiritual disciplines, and I also greatly enjoyed The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn. I greatly recommend reading one of those as I know these two men use Biblical principles that have helped me with my perspective on things, mainly on putting my treasure up in heaven with God rather than here on earth in possessions.

I think the biggest thing for me is really trying to put it all in perspective by rejoicing in the gracious provision I have from the hand of God. Foster says that the discipline of simplicity "sets possessions in proper perspective." It is not bad to have things, but we need to make sure that glory and honor is given to the one who has provided for us because ultimately all things come from him. I want to store up treasures in heaven and not here on earth. Alcorn talks about the idea that the more we own, the more we feel tied to it and try to protect it. I know how free I feel when I give up things and the control they can so easily have in our lives.

So as I continually contemplate this and pray about having a proper perspective, I close with Hebrews 13:5. I want to be free from the desires of this world and find contentment in our Heavenly Father. I always cling to the promise that the writer of Hebrews quotes from Deuteronomy 31:6, only to realize just recently how it is prefaced. God is our provider, and I can rest in that. What peace!

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' "

4 comments:

Lance Eh. said...

Simplicity is awesome! I believe that Jesus was a very simple Man, and we should be too. Follow your dreams because God will take you there! Jer. 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God Bless!
Lance

Anonymous said...

Kevin can't keep up with you. You're a blogging champ!!!

Anonymous said...

HElllllooooooooo

Stefanie Schocke said...

Hey Lance- Good verse! Our favorite!