Awesome save worthy piece today! Not that I haven’t saved any previous posts on this topic! It’s a topic I’m quite passionate about myself and your expressing my thoughts perfectly!
My goodness, you just made my day. Honestly knowing anyone who isn’t related to me has saved any of my writing is humbling and makes me so happy. I’m glad you connected with this so strongly. God Bless you on your journey and learning to love simply along the way.
I like G. K. Chesterton's balance on simplicity vs asceticism. In Manalive, he shows the value of treasuring what you have (as gifts from God) over things you don't have--but not over the Giver. Manalive used to sneak into his own house at night, bringing others who did not know it was his own house in the escapade, to admire his own possessions.
Interesting timing of this article. It so happens my church is starting a new series this coming Sunday on the topic of simplicity. Must be providence that I stumbled upon your article. It has got me looking forward to the upcoming sermon series.
This is rather a question. I'm studying how to manage my thoughts, ie to discipline them so that I can live without anxiety, etc. I find if I mediate on scripture it helps. But I still have battles with this. It affects my sleep, my happiness, etc. Do you have any thoughts on this?
And oh, I really enjoy your writing on this topic. It is helping me on my own pilgrim journey to sort out the clutter in my life. This is quite debilitating, preventing me from for instance focus on my own writing. It's kind of ironic, by seeking the simplicity, we actually can become more happy people.
I’m glad you enjoyed what you read and found it helpful. As far as your continued anxiety goes, well, I’ll see if I can give you some more thoughts that you find useful.
First, pray and ask God to get better at giving and receiving grace. Grace with yourself in understanding that anxiety is a pretty understandable response to the fallen and broken world we live it. We have to recognize that the people and things that give us anxiety are themselves products of this broken world and they, despite how awful they seem, deserve forgiveness and grace, so give that to them. If God can grant awful creatures forgiveness and grace, so can we. I terms of receiving grace, that starts with recognizing that God understands your struggles and he wants to help you through them.
Meditating on scripture is great so kudos to you for doing that! Don’t feel like you have to keep going from one scripture to another. If you are comfortable with or truly love a particular passage or scripture for meditation, stick with it.
I will recommend reciting the Jesus Prayer, and the Lord’s Prayer back to back for a while as a form of prayer and meditative prayer. Many many times when I feel myself becoming overwhelmed or annoyed or anxious, I just start repeating those two prayers and it truly helps me. Maybe try reciting those prayers as bedtime prayers and ask God for rest.
Also remember, the life towards Christ is what leads to simplicity. Seek Him and remember it is a journey and do not expect immediate gratification. Be content with God’s pace along the way. And along the way, look for ways to imitate Him. Give away possessions. Help others financially if you can with no expectation of them paying you back. Give to the poor. Help the poor, the widows and the orphans.
I want to be clear that I am not perfect or even close to perfect in any of the things I mentioned. I have a lot of work to do and a lot of care to give. A lot of dying to myself still needs to occur. But I am making the effort and I am glad to know you are too.
Your response is appreciated brother. I will work through this and apply it to my inner life. BTW I've during the past week taken steps to detox my life from the machines. For example, I deleted my Twitter/X and Instagram accounts. The only social media I still use is WhatsApp for family and this substack. I'm so blessed to be on this platform. God bless you!
Daniel - enjoyed your thoughts/discussion here. Several things came to mind as I read your post.
Totally agree with you that a Christian should not make being "rich" a main pursuit in and of itself (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Later in that same chapter, however, Paul addresses Christians who are rich (presumably through the normal course of their work/business life):
First, not to be haughty or trust in those riches, but in the One who "gives us richly all things to enjoy" (vs. 17).
Second, they have what they have so that they can "do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, and be willing to communicate (share)" (vs. 18). Third, their goal should be to "Lay up in store (treasures in Heaven) for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold (focus) on eternal life." (vs. 19).
There are many modern and past examples (R.G. LeTourneau, Stanley Tam, Henry Crowell, etc. come to mind) Their biographies are great testimonies of how God uses those who have committed their lives and "riches" to Him.
So, when a Christian who becomes "rich" does not fulfill that calling (vs. 17-19) they fall into the snare talked about in vs. 9-10.
So, bottom line is that yes, God does give some riches for the sole purpose of being His channel of blessing to others.
Beyond that, most Christians, particularly in America are "blessed" with abundance, relatively speaking. So how should we live our lives? My personal view is to always be minimizing our own "financial footprint" so that we may maximize God's financial footprint through us. I believe God blesses so that we may bless others at whatever level we find ourselves.
On the other hand, simplicity can become a snare as well if practiced solely for the purpose of appearance (look how spiritual I am) or to make ourselves "acceptable" to God.
On that note, I would agree with Foster on asceticism. I am not a fan.
Asceticism can be found in almost every religion. While appearing to focus on God, asceticism actually focuses on self. The ascetic, in the traditional sense, is constantly trying to live in a way that makes himself more "acceptable" in God's sight, therefore a self-centered pursuit. The only way we can be "accepted" in God's sight is "in the beloved" i.e. Jesus. (Ephesians 1:6).
If a person is not saved (Eph 2:8-9) i.e. in Christ, then no amount of asceticism or works will make that person acceptable in God's sight. If a person is saved, the holiness of God is developed in that person via the work of God to produce our "good works". (Philippians 2:12-13)
While the examples you mentioned (John the Baptist and Elijah) lived a more ascetic life, it was not in isolation. They had specific ministries and interacted/confronted many people as God directed to either declare God's supremacy over all governments and idolatrous religion or, in John's case, introduce/make way for the coming Messiah.
I do not believe God calls Christians to practice asceticism in the sense of what it has come to be known as today.
I know this was long, but you did ask for discussion, right? So, that is my two cents worth - LOL.
Cork, you seriously never disappoint me with your feedback. Thank you so much for engaging with me. You gave me quite a lot to think about. I
Could use some reading and learning about those
who have done good with their wealth. I guess it would be possible for someone to be wealthy and still live simply although I can only imagine how difficult that would be.
I’ll admit that I do not yet have the best understanding of asceticism. I never considered people practicing such a thing in a self-centered way. The ascetics I’ve read about, I just assumed they genuinely felt called by God to give up possessions. I can sometimes be naive and assume the best intentions from everyone, though I should know better.
Thank you for giving me much to think about. I appreciate you!
What a wonderful birthday! That's amazing.
It was incredible man. I was truly moved and had a great time.
Awesome save worthy piece today! Not that I haven’t saved any previous posts on this topic! It’s a topic I’m quite passionate about myself and your expressing my thoughts perfectly!
My goodness, you just made my day. Honestly knowing anyone who isn’t related to me has saved any of my writing is humbling and makes me so happy. I’m glad you connected with this so strongly. God Bless you on your journey and learning to love simply along the way.
I like G. K. Chesterton's balance on simplicity vs asceticism. In Manalive, he shows the value of treasuring what you have (as gifts from God) over things you don't have--but not over the Giver. Manalive used to sneak into his own house at night, bringing others who did not know it was his own house in the escapade, to admire his own possessions.
Manalive is WILD 😂 i think i need to reread it soon to learn to appreciate it again
Interesting timing of this article. It so happens my church is starting a new series this coming Sunday on the topic of simplicity. Must be providence that I stumbled upon your article. It has got me looking forward to the upcoming sermon series.
Love to hear that! I hope you found it helpful and I pray the sermon series at your church will serve you well.
This is rather a question. I'm studying how to manage my thoughts, ie to discipline them so that I can live without anxiety, etc. I find if I mediate on scripture it helps. But I still have battles with this. It affects my sleep, my happiness, etc. Do you have any thoughts on this?
And oh, I really enjoy your writing on this topic. It is helping me on my own pilgrim journey to sort out the clutter in my life. This is quite debilitating, preventing me from for instance focus on my own writing. It's kind of ironic, by seeking the simplicity, we actually can become more happy people.
I’m glad you enjoyed what you read and found it helpful. As far as your continued anxiety goes, well, I’ll see if I can give you some more thoughts that you find useful.
First, pray and ask God to get better at giving and receiving grace. Grace with yourself in understanding that anxiety is a pretty understandable response to the fallen and broken world we live it. We have to recognize that the people and things that give us anxiety are themselves products of this broken world and they, despite how awful they seem, deserve forgiveness and grace, so give that to them. If God can grant awful creatures forgiveness and grace, so can we. I terms of receiving grace, that starts with recognizing that God understands your struggles and he wants to help you through them.
Meditating on scripture is great so kudos to you for doing that! Don’t feel like you have to keep going from one scripture to another. If you are comfortable with or truly love a particular passage or scripture for meditation, stick with it.
I will recommend reciting the Jesus Prayer, and the Lord’s Prayer back to back for a while as a form of prayer and meditative prayer. Many many times when I feel myself becoming overwhelmed or annoyed or anxious, I just start repeating those two prayers and it truly helps me. Maybe try reciting those prayers as bedtime prayers and ask God for rest.
Also remember, the life towards Christ is what leads to simplicity. Seek Him and remember it is a journey and do not expect immediate gratification. Be content with God’s pace along the way. And along the way, look for ways to imitate Him. Give away possessions. Help others financially if you can with no expectation of them paying you back. Give to the poor. Help the poor, the widows and the orphans.
I want to be clear that I am not perfect or even close to perfect in any of the things I mentioned. I have a lot of work to do and a lot of care to give. A lot of dying to myself still needs to occur. But I am making the effort and I am glad to know you are too.
Peace be with you, Nicolouw. God Bless!
Your response is appreciated brother. I will work through this and apply it to my inner life. BTW I've during the past week taken steps to detox my life from the machines. For example, I deleted my Twitter/X and Instagram accounts. The only social media I still use is WhatsApp for family and this substack. I'm so blessed to be on this platform. God bless you!
Way to go on deleting those accounts! That’s really great and should help you. I will pray for you! God Bless you!
Daniel - enjoyed your thoughts/discussion here. Several things came to mind as I read your post.
Totally agree with you that a Christian should not make being "rich" a main pursuit in and of itself (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Later in that same chapter, however, Paul addresses Christians who are rich (presumably through the normal course of their work/business life):
First, not to be haughty or trust in those riches, but in the One who "gives us richly all things to enjoy" (vs. 17).
Second, they have what they have so that they can "do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, and be willing to communicate (share)" (vs. 18). Third, their goal should be to "Lay up in store (treasures in Heaven) for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold (focus) on eternal life." (vs. 19).
There are many modern and past examples (R.G. LeTourneau, Stanley Tam, Henry Crowell, etc. come to mind) Their biographies are great testimonies of how God uses those who have committed their lives and "riches" to Him.
So, when a Christian who becomes "rich" does not fulfill that calling (vs. 17-19) they fall into the snare talked about in vs. 9-10.
So, bottom line is that yes, God does give some riches for the sole purpose of being His channel of blessing to others.
Beyond that, most Christians, particularly in America are "blessed" with abundance, relatively speaking. So how should we live our lives? My personal view is to always be minimizing our own "financial footprint" so that we may maximize God's financial footprint through us. I believe God blesses so that we may bless others at whatever level we find ourselves.
On the other hand, simplicity can become a snare as well if practiced solely for the purpose of appearance (look how spiritual I am) or to make ourselves "acceptable" to God.
On that note, I would agree with Foster on asceticism. I am not a fan.
Asceticism can be found in almost every religion. While appearing to focus on God, asceticism actually focuses on self. The ascetic, in the traditional sense, is constantly trying to live in a way that makes himself more "acceptable" in God's sight, therefore a self-centered pursuit. The only way we can be "accepted" in God's sight is "in the beloved" i.e. Jesus. (Ephesians 1:6).
If a person is not saved (Eph 2:8-9) i.e. in Christ, then no amount of asceticism or works will make that person acceptable in God's sight. If a person is saved, the holiness of God is developed in that person via the work of God to produce our "good works". (Philippians 2:12-13)
While the examples you mentioned (John the Baptist and Elijah) lived a more ascetic life, it was not in isolation. They had specific ministries and interacted/confronted many people as God directed to either declare God's supremacy over all governments and idolatrous religion or, in John's case, introduce/make way for the coming Messiah.
I do not believe God calls Christians to practice asceticism in the sense of what it has come to be known as today.
I know this was long, but you did ask for discussion, right? So, that is my two cents worth - LOL.
Cork, you seriously never disappoint me with your feedback. Thank you so much for engaging with me. You gave me quite a lot to think about. I
Could use some reading and learning about those
who have done good with their wealth. I guess it would be possible for someone to be wealthy and still live simply although I can only imagine how difficult that would be.
I’ll admit that I do not yet have the best understanding of asceticism. I never considered people practicing such a thing in a self-centered way. The ascetics I’ve read about, I just assumed they genuinely felt called by God to give up possessions. I can sometimes be naive and assume the best intentions from everyone, though I should know better.
Thank you for giving me much to think about. I appreciate you!
Great post all the way around, but loved the party repo!