Simplicity

Simplicity is a grace given to us by God. There is no way we can build up our will power to put ourselves in the “discipline” of simplicity. It is the power of the Holy Spirit who leads us into a life of simplicity; however, we must position ourselves to receive this life of peace & contentment. Simplicity can usher us into the center of unhurried peace and power from the Spirit of God.

I’m going to use simplicity in the area of money & possessions because this seems to have such a hold on our American Christianity. We get tripped up in this area. Our culture teaches us to NOT be content, so here we are placed in the center of discontent. In fact, capitalism is successful to the degree that consumers purchase bigger, better, newer, fresher, different
products. Consumerism drives capitalism. So, how can we live free of discontentedness; simple lives full of life and peace?

Jesus speaks much about this throughout His earthly ministry. He is the example of simplicity. The more clearly we understand the nature of God, the more clearly we understand how we are to live. Models of simplicity are desperately needed today in this culture. Matthew 6 is the beautiful description of simplicity in all of Scripture. Jesus knows that we have a nature that desires to secure ourselves to earthly things (the natural mind holds onto that which is natural). In Matthew 6, Jesus is calling us to a higher way of living~ supernatural simplicity, not holding onto the treasures of this world, but clinging to the treasure of the next. I want to highlight several reasons why we should not go after earthly treasure:

1. This world is a very uncertain place. Security in this world is a false security. Things can change in an instant. This world is temporary, so nothing in this world will have permanence. In verses 19-20 Jesus gives a negative command and a positive command. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…” (19) “Do store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (20). A treasure is anything we trust in and cling to. No matter what our earthly treasures may be (money, occupation, children, gift/talent we have, etc) we must be careful that we don’t hold them too tightly. They will keep us from living in the Kingdom of God in freedom and power we desire. David Livingstone said, “I place no value on anything I possess, except in relation to the Kingdom of God.”
2. Whatever we fix as our treasure will consume our whole life. There is a connection between our treasure and our heart. The statement Jesus makes in verse 21 isn’t an idea, opinion or suggestion, but a reality. “Where your treasure is, that’s where your heart is”.
   No option. Our whole heart (mind, will & emotions) will be fixed around our treasure. Jesus said in verse 24 that it’s impossible to serve two masters. One will rival the
   other. If our “treasure” is our bank account, house, retirement fund, children, sports, education, or any other earthly thing, our heart will be focused on that. Verse 22 speaks of the eye as the lamp of the whole body. If our eyes are good ~ meaning single focused; void of duplicity~ then your whole body will be flooded with light (Spirit of Truth). I want my treasure to be Jesus~ consumed with Him and His Kingdom and His purpose and His plan. That’s where I want my heart to be!
3. Provision has already been made. God provides for us according to our needs, just as He does for the lilies (plant life) and birds (animal kingdom).Verses 26 & 28 tell us to notice the birds of the air and the lilies of the field ~ they don’t sow or store food or spin the beauty of the blossom ~ and yet they are clothed and fed by God Himself. How much more will He take care of His Beloved ones! We are not to have fear or anxiety over tomorrow. We also see in Matthew 6 the pattern of prayer Jesus teaches His disciples. The opening of the prayer is calling on the Heavenly Father….a loving Father who knows all that we
   need. He is involved in every detail of our lives. We say “Give us today our daily bread.”
   This speaks to material and spiritual needs. We are dependent upon God for our provision, but the good news is that He is a loving heavenly Father who lavishes His
   children with good gifts. God is our provider. He is our Father. He sees us and knows us. God knows when and how much.
   
   As we begin to ask the Holy Spirit to manifest simplicity in our lives, we position ourselves for an abundant life of contentment; focused on the Kingdom of God; inviting the miraculous workings of God’s power in our lives and the lives of others. Let’s not waste our precious time & energy worrying about our life or chasing after the “stuff” of this earthly kingdom. “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well,” Matthew 6:33.