Many of us are living a new version of our own lives. Air travel is restricted, work and school patterns are shifting, and “social distancing” is now a real thing.

In some respects, we are being forced into a simpler way of life—at least, for now.

But did you know that living simply is actually a spiritual discipline? For thousands of years, some Christians have made an intentional effort to de-clutter—both in their minds and in the living of their daily lives—to more fully focus on God, and to more fully enjoy their own existence which had somehow become haggard and frenzied.

After months in the arctic, Richard E. Byrd wrote, “I am learning… that a man can live profoundly without masses of things.”*

In the Bible, Jesus lived simply (and powerfully). He encouraged others to give away possessions or money when they stood in the way of their relationship with God (see Mark 10:21, for example). And In Hebrews 13:5 we read, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have…” Be content with what you have.

What if, in this chapter of your life, you seized the opportunity to live more simply intentionally?

-What if you spent less money and more time with God?
-What if you enjoyed wearing clothes you already have?
-What if you took a second look at your usual list of activities and crossed out the time-wasters you probably shouldn’t have been doing in the first place?

Simplicity isn’t about less, it’s about more. More God, better priorities, more rest, a better joy.

Many of us are living a new version of our own lives. It’s different, I know. But what if we used it as a time to clear out the gunk in our mind’s eye?

Simplicity isn’t about less, it’s about more.

By Matthew Ruttan

–*Richard E. Byrd, Alone (GP Putnam’s Sons, Inc., 1938), 19.

–“Interview: Coronavirus, Perspective & Love.” Here’s an 18-minute interview I had with David Mann at Life 100.3FM on March 16. We discuss changes in ‘doing church,’ the power of God (vs fear), ways to be loving in a pandemic, leveraging resources, government in times of uncertainty, and prayer. If you want to listen in, here’s the link.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.