Simpleton for Jesus

Hi Everyone!

With almost two months under our belts of this new year, I wanted to take a moment to focus in on something Daniel and I strongly value: simplicity. After all, it is in our website’s name! I hope this post helps give direction and encouragement as you start out into this new year of 2021.

The Motto of Simplicity

For the last 3 years, I’ve had a small piece of paper hanging in my closet. Whenever I move, it moves with me. Every morning when I open my closet door to pick out my outfit for the day, it is there looking back at me. On it, is a statement about simplicity from John Stott. It reads,

“Simplicity is the first cousin of contentment. Its motto is ‘We brought nothing into this world, and we can certainly carry nothing out.’ It recognizes that we are pilgrims. It concentrates us on what we need, and measures this by what we use. It rejoices in the good things of creation, but hates waste and greed and clutter. It knows how easily the seed of the Word is smothered by the ‘cares and riches of this life.’ It wants to be free of distractions, in order to love and serve God and others.”

Isn’t that powerful?

Over the last few years, God has used this statement to open my eyes to ways I can be freed up from distraction, waste, greed, and clutter and live more into my calling to love and serve Him and others. Practically speaking, this has looked like talking less, shopping less, practicing gratitude for what I already have, fixing things rather than throwing out, getting organized, reusing even when it’s inconvenient, giving generously, decreasing screen time, and increasing dinner time.

From Excess to Abundance

The reason this shift to simplicity is so valuable as a believer is that it helps us “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV Paraphrase). Not only does it free us up and fix our eyes on Jesus, but by living simply, we reflect who Jesus is and what His Kingdom is all about.

God’s Kingdom is not a kingdom of excess, but it is a kingdom of abundance that is rich in love, joy, peace and goodness. Unfortunately, the cares and riches of this world can stifle the growth of these spiritual fruits in our lives. Remember that parable about the sower planting seeds? Read Luke 8 if you need a refresher.

I am reminded of the seed that fell among thorns. Jesus said, “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.” (Luke 8:14 ESV). Too much isn’t just a distraction, it is actually choking us out from valuable, rich, abundant fruit like love, joy, peace, and goodness.

A Starting Place

I encourage you to read that statement from John Stott a few times and sit with it for a moment in reflection. What is God saying to you? Where are you missing the good things of creation in your everyday life? Where do you see waste, greed, or clutter? Where are you simply distracted? But also, where are you living simply already? Where are you investing in truly valuable things of the Kingdom that are eternal? Take a chance to celebrate both the growth AND the potential for change as you step into tomorrow.

For the sake of simplicity, I don’t want to say too much here. Instead, I want to give you the space to reflect. Below is the song Simple Gospel by United Pursuit. After you finish reading this post, listen to this song. Reread the simplicity motto. Write or do whatever will help you reflect. Step forward with Christ from excess into abundance.

As you make changes in your own life, be gentle with yourself as God is gentle with us. The thorns of materialism, comparison, and consumerism can grow quickly. When you find yourself caught in the “cares and riches of this life,” simply acknowledge it and repent. He is always faithful to help us pull out the thorns. And in their place, He simply plants new, abundant life.

I am a simpleton, a simpleton for Jesus, and I invite you join me on this foolish, life-giving adventure out of excess and into abundance.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV

Live Simply & Love Deeply,

Cait