Simplicity

Lent begins tomorrow with Ash Wednesday. It is a season to examine our spiritual disciplines. Our lives, and our calendar, are modeled after Jesus’ life: Jesus went into the wilderness and was tested for forty days so we spend the forty days (not counting Sundays) before Easter asking God to strengthen our spiritual discipline in the face of temptations.

The discipline of simplicity is perhaps more relevant than ever. Simplicity is recognizing the truth of “one doesn’t live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Deut 8:3; quoted by Jesus while tempted by the devil, Matt 4:4). The inward reality is that God provides our every true need; this inward reality becomes the outward lifestyle of simplicity. When we are attached to God at the center of our lives, we are not attached to other things, including our ever-changing feelings, possessions, opportunities, pleasures or pains, success or failures. We can’t possess anything on this earth forever, and when we try it only creates insanity and double-mindedness, duplicity instead of simplicity.

Take cell phones for example. AT&T is always nagging at me to replace my cell phone which is almost 5 years old. They barrage me that I’m out of date, using obsolete technology, and wouldn’t my life be better and faster if I upgraded. It works fine, however, and even more I am aware of the danger of thinking I can’t live without it. I hear Jesus’ voice say, “one doesn’t live by cell phones, but by every word that comes from God!”

Richard Foster (Celebration of Discipline) suggests that the discipline of simplicity means (1) we buy for usefulness rather than feeling, novelty or status. (2) We reject anything that produces an addiction in us. This can mean any undisciplined compulsion: soda, TV, internet, Facebook, etc. (3) Develop a habit of giving things away. If you are getting too attached to something, try giving it away. (4) Refuse the propaganda of modern advertising and “play now, pay later” schemes. (5) Learn to enjoy things without owning them. Use the library. Borrow from others. (6) Focus on what already is around you: God’s creation (7) Practice honesty about your attachments—don’t lie to yourself or others about your struggles.

This Lent consider some way to simplify your life. When we seek the kingdom of God first, and everything necessary will come at the proper time and place (Matt 6:33).