We are reminded that we brought nothing into this world and it is certain that we can take nothing out. So when we leave this life compared to most of the world just having food, shelter and clothing should produce contentment. This does not mean we should all take a vow of poverty and live in a monastery.
We have all been certain given gifts and talents. We should use them with passion and excellence to the best of our ability to impact the world for good. The point is that regardless of wealth or poverty, we should learn to lead a life that is not driven by things that don’t really matter.
In Richard Swenson great book on Margin he list several characteristics of simple living that are helpful:
1.Voluntary—If the simple life is forced, it ceases to be simple.This is a choice based on core values not something that is demanded.
2.Free—One of the key features of simplicity and at the same time, one of its principal advantages is that it is a life of freedom.It is being controlled by that which is life-giving and refusing to be controlled by that which is destructive.
3.Uncluttered—Emotionally we release our worries, we reconcile our relationships, we forgive our enemies and we begin anew each day.
4.Creative—Life is not boring just because it is simple.Simplicity sets the imagination free to work and to enjoy.
5.Authentic—A simple lifestyle must distinguish between the spiritually authentic and spiritually inauthentic.Biblical authenticity includes those things God has told us to focus on, those things that have eternal, God-assigned value: people, love, service, worship, prayer, self-denial, relationships, contentment, freedom, and rest.
6.Disciplined—Restraint is necessary for successful living, and all the more for simple living.Comfort is not a legitimate primary goal—authenticity is.
Anytime your security and significance is based on something or someone that can be lost, you will never find true contentment in this life or the life to come.
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