Keith Drury in his book “Unveiled Faces” writes that “simplicity
is intentionally paring down our lifestyles toward the essentials to free
ourselves from the tyranny of things and focus more on the spiritual life.” When
we practice simplicity we are saying “we believe our happiness is not found in
the abundance of our possessions, but in the fewness of our
wants.”
Sometimes
we mistakenly think that materialism might be a problem for only those who have
lots of money, but it applies to all of us. No matter how many things we might
have, we can covet many things. We can covet not only possessions, but also
relationships. Laying up treasures in heaven is all about what we treasure in
our heart.
"Do not store up
for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where
thieves break in and steal,” Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, “but store
up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and
where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your
heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
In these
verses Jesus perfectly describes the difference between treasures on earth and
treasures
in heaven. Worldly possessions are susceptible to worldly destruction.They do
not last. Only what is not tangible lasts. Jim Elliot understood this paradox
when he wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he
cannot lose.” A wise man gives away in order to gain.
What I am unable
to give away is what I treasure most. What I am not able to let go indicates my
heart's allegiance. It reveals the focus of my life. Nothing should come before
God. As I let go of that which has defined my life, I let Him define who I am.
It is simple, and simplicity at its greatest.
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