Around this time last year I was putting “final touches” on my Senior Thesis on minimalism. Little did I know that this is something I would never finalize this side of eternity. Simplicity, also known as minimalism, is something I aspire to grow in my whole life alongside Jesus and is something I’ve been learning a lot about recently. I have been living out of a single backpack for 5 months now and learned a lot about what is truly essential in my walk with God on this earth. Let me say this, I don’t have it all figured out. I don’t have all the perfect quotes, or perfectly organized thoughts, or even a perfect life as proof, but maybe my two cents will serve as an invitation for us to learn what simplicity looks like in the Kingdom of Heaven together.
I thought it would be fun to have a simple (no pun intended) three part blog describing three areas of minimalism I’ve been learning to walk in along with a few photos depicting what that looks like for where I am right now. Then of course extend an invitation for you to walk with Christ in this way too!
But first, why?
Why should simplicity matter in the Kingdom? Why would I spend a whole year writing on this topic and still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface? Why are you reading this blog (unless you’re my mom. Love you Mom.)?
Let’s start with the definition of a disciple. A disciple is a person who has dedicated their every moment to be under construction of their master; a person whose every fiber is learning to look like their rabbi. So, let’s look at Christ. The Son of Man wore a simple tunic, did not worry about where is food or shelter would come from, and possessed a carefree uncare for possessions. Our Rabbi taught simplicity in faith and lived simplicity in materials.
Yet, we (notice I said WE) can’t wait for the next iPhone to come out, we trample each other on Black Friday to get a good deal, and we pile up the amazon prime boxes like no one’s business. Not only that, but a study at Northwestern University shows that our materialistic mindsets are creating lower levels of well-being (just look up Dr Monika Bauer and her research amongst others). The landfills and storage closets in our world are brimming but our souls are not satisfied.
“There is within the human heart a tough fibrous root of fallen life whose nature is to possess, always possess… the pronouns “my” and “mine” look innocent in print, but…. they are verbal symptoms of our deep disease…God’s gifts now take the place of God, and the whole course of nature is upset by the monstrous substitution.” – A.W. Tozer
Let me say this: minimalism is NOT the gospel, but it is a discipline which Jesus walked in and invited us to do the same.
My man Richard Foster describes simplicity as “An inward reality that can be seen in an outward lifestyle of choosing to leverage time, money, possessions, and talents towards what matters most.”
Let’s jump back to our roots and relearn what simplicity means for us today. Stay tuned for my next post on what Holy Spirit has been teaching me about!
Ministry update: We have two full weeks left here in Guatemala before we move to Costa Rica for the rest of our race! One week is for ministry and one is for debriefing our time here. Our ties to the children we are teaching and the base-staff here just becomes sweeter each week and I can’t wait to see how the Kingdom continues to increase here.
