Five Guidelines to Embrace For Doing Life Today – Live Simply
I want to wrap my soul around the minister’s words, grasping them to my heart. So simple and pithy. Concise. Direct. Active.
Read them aloud for yourself:
As you go... Live Simply Love Generously Speak Truthfully Care Deeply Pray Daily And leave the rest to God.
My pastor uses these words as the benediction at the end of church services. The blessing fills me with hope for a remarkable week if I can only live them out.
I decided to delve into what each might look like in practice, and write a series about them. I suspect the answer will be different for each of us because, well, we’re all different. Perhaps our interpretation is meant to be based on our heart’s needed renovations during this season of life.
Today, let’s consider what live simply could mean.
Live Simply
When I was a stressed young mother and teacher struggling to find balance in life, I’d look longingly at the stack of Real Simple magazines piling up on my hearth. If only I could find time to read those things, I might learn the art of simple living.
A simple life sounded inviting then, and it still does now.
My younger self looked to magazines to lead me to a life of simplicity. But as long as my eyes were set on worldly things, I wasn’t going to experience the best life has to offer.
What does the Bible say about simple living?
When I checked a Bible dictionary for the word simple, it referred me to the Greek word for harmless: akeraios. The word is used metaphorically in the New Testament for what is guileless, sincere, i.e., with the simplicity of a single eye, discerning what is evil, and choosing only what glorifies God.*
This phrase boils it down for me: Choosing only what glorifies God. Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? Keep in mind that easy is not s synonym for simple.
Choosing only what glorifies God means we examine our motivations in whatever we do.
Or say.
Does the reason behind our action bring glory to God, or does it benefit ourself. Are we being sincere or manipulative? Will our words build up another, and sow a seed for His Kingdom? Or is our goal based on selfish desires?
Is our true motive to bring glory to God?
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.
(1 Cor 13:5 NLT)
We can pray this verse from Psalms:
Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;
(Psalm 26:2 NIV)
The Lord, through the Holy Spirit, will help us answer the question.
Where do our treasures lie?
Another question we must consider is what we treasure. Determining where our treasure is determines where our heart is.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
(Matthew 6:21 NIV)
The treasures of the world lie in material things, places, and worldly values. They are temporary. The treasures in heaven last forever and lie in the spiritual: love, fellowship with God, forgiveness, good character.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
(Matthew 6:19-20 NIV)
There you have two ideas for what live simply could mean. My two cents worth.
But what do you think? What is something you could do to help you live simply? Let go of worry? De-stress your life? Learn contentment? What comes to mind?
I really want to know.
In our next post, we’ll take a look at “Love Generously.”
Thank you for reading. I appreciate each and every one of you. Look for a short newsletter on Good Friday!
*Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary, Vine, W.E.; Thomas Nelson: US, 1996. p. 291
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Candyce, your post leads to questions about how I spend my time. My tendency is to cram nights and days full of activity. When I try “to do it all,” I become frustrated. When I ask God to show me His plans for my day, I can release my “have to list” and trust Him. As you said, choices aren’t always easy but following them lead of Christ yields simplicity and peace. Thank you.
I always appreciate your insight, Jeannie. Asking God to reveal His plans for your day is a wonderful way to start each day.
That way we won’t be surprised when we have those unexpected interruptions.
How true is the statement “easy is not s synonym for simple”. Wow. I think I may have mixed that up a time or two … or three. Your words challenge me to carefully evaluate what is most important. Blessings, Candyce.
Thank you Terri. Jesus said “follow me. “ Sounds simple. But we know it isn’t easy.
Candyce, you’ve given some probing questions that can help us determine God’s simple best for us. I think you’re right. Answers will vary from person to person because God is personally involved in our growth. I look forward to the next topic.
I line this, Annie: “God is personally involved in our growth.” I hadn’t thought of it like that, but you’re right. When I taught school, we aimed for individualized instruction for each student. That’s what God does for us. He knows exactly what we need.
You offer so great, thought provoking questions Candyce. I think my motives are not always as pure as I want them to be. I pray for God’s help to live more in line with your suggestions.
I don’t think any of us have 100% pure motivations all the time, Yvonne. We’re human after all. But being aware and convicted of this helps us pause and scrutinize our motives before we act.
Candyce, I believe your statement, “Choosing only what glorifies God means we examine our motivations in whatever we do”, is one of the best ways to center our self in our decision making. Thanks for a thoughtful post.
Thanks, Sandy. I like the idea of centering ourselves. Especially when it means to pause to include God in our decision. I’m often impulsive and driven by other motives. Thanks for commenting.
There’s much to ponder here, Candyce. I often pray that what I say and do will bring God glory, but what are my motivations for saying and doing those things? I look forward to reading the rest of this series!
Thank you LuAnn!
Living simply reminds me of God’s instructions to rest from our labors in Hebrews. Resting mentally, spiritually, and physically helps us renew bodies and minds and helps us focus on the most important One in our lives. Thanks, Candyce
Thanks Barbara, for your input. I love it. And focusing on the One is the most important thing.
I share this each time we start a new Life Group session at our church Ms. Candyce. You’ve added some great insight and some wonderful questions for discussion with this ma’am. Am borrowing this. 🙂
Are your Life Group sessions for née Christians, J.D.? I’m thankful you’re involved and are sowing seeds for God’s Kingdom.
You’re asking some challenging questions, Candyce. The one that brings me to greatest self-reflection is. “Is our true motive to bring glory to God?” I pray about this one daily, that my actions will bring glory to God, rather than me seeking glory for my accomplishments. Than you for this inspiring message.
It’s the same with me, Katherine. It’s a fine line we tread there. Thank you for validating a real struggle for most of us.
It’s the same with me, Katherine. It’s a fine line we tread there. Thank you for validating a real struggle for most of us.
You’re asking some challenging questions, Candyce. The one that brings me to greatest self-reflection is. “Is our true motive to bring glory to God?” I pray about this one daily, that my actions will bring glory to God, rather than me seeking glory for my accomplishments. Than you for this inspiring message.