“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

My simplicity journey began many, many years ago. Learning to live a simpler life has given me clarity in the chaos, confusion, and constant change of this world. Living simply gives me time to think and be deliberate about reflection on struggles and goals because I am not as weighed down by the entanglements of life this side of heaven.

“For our boast is in the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.” (2 Corinthians 1:12)

The Bible directs us toward simplicity with our faith, words, possessions, money, focus, promises, actions, responses, hope, and more. Simplicity is a biblical principle that helps us to live pleasing to God, lifegiving to ourselves, and available to others.

“This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business, and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

Simplicity also helps us to not be a source of chaos and confusion for ourselves or for others. It helps our lives to have minimal drama and maximum impact. It allows for the peace, power, and presence of God to be more evident in our lives than stress, anxiety, weakness, and selfishness.

What steps can you take toward a simpler life today?