A Simple Life

“It’s no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.” (Bilbo in The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien)

Simplicity draws me it. It inspires me. A life of simple pleasures and simple joys has become my daily goal. Quietness, an essential part of a simple life, allows my mind, body, and spirit to rest. It helps me focus on simplicity and resist adding to any drama and complication that finds its way to me.

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (Matthew 4:11-12)

To have simplicity lauded in God’s word brings it more into focus for me. Learning how God desires simplicity to exist in our lives motivates me toward its continued cultivation.

• God’s word brings truth even the simple can understand. (Psalm 119:130)
• We are to keep our promises simple. (Matthew 5:37)
• The way to God is narrow, but it’s also simple. (Matthew 7:13-14)
• Simplicity makes us receptive to wisdom. (Matthew 11:25)
• We are to keep ministry simple. (Luke 9:1-6)
• Our devotion is to remain simple. (2 Corinthians 11:3)

If I had to write a purpose statement for my life, it would be:

Simple words. Simple wisdom. Simple actions. Simple faith.

In my heart, I know if I live in this way, I will honor God. I’ll also inspire others to do so not because of anything that I am or do but because of God’s work in my life. If the elements of my life are simple, I believe that God will be more visible to others. They’ll be able to see him instead of any drama or struggle or work on my part.

“I will quietly keep my mind on your decrees.” (Psalm 119:95)

My prayer is that God’s word saturates everything that I am and do. As complexity fades in the light of God’s mercy and grace, my simple life becomes a testimony to his kindness. When this happens, a simple and quiet life certainly becomes something to celebrate.