voluntary simplicity

I think the "voluntary simplicity" movement is more consistent with the Christian life described in the Bible than the stereotypical contemporary American lifestyle of consumerism and "keeping up with the Joneses." Here are a few reasons:

1. Non-materialism: Voluntary simplicity advocates minimizing possessions as opposed to consumerism. Store up treasures for yourself in heaven, not on earth. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.

2. Minimizing negative impact on the earth: God created the earth for us to inhabit and enjoy, and we have a responsibility to take care of it. God's creations are perfect - the actions of humankind can only harm them.

3. Dedicating yourself to what is truly important to you: We're warned in the Bible through the parable of sowing the seeds how easy it is to get distracted by the details of everyday life. We're told to put first the kingdom of God, and the other things of this life will be taken care of.

4. Finding pleasure in the simple things: God provided us with so many things that we can easily enjoy, such as birds, sunsets, clouds, trees, pets, friends, streams, etc. God is the perfect artist and the perfect engineer. In order to enjoy life, we don't need to spend a lot of money, or have a big house, or a fancy car, or a high profile job.

5. Living for the moment: God forgives us for the past, and God will take care of the future - we only need to concentrate on the present. Don't delay happiness until you lose weight, or you finish school, or until you buy a house, etc. - you can always find another reason to delay happiness. Now is the time to be happy!

6. Natural health approaches: God created the body so that it has incredible self-healing capabilities. We only get in the way of these capabilities with over-dependence on medications.

In the book "Finding God at Harvard" edited by K. M. Kullberg, one of the writers says: "... a life centered on God and founded upon such values as simplicity rather than consumption, sharing rather than accumulation, and solidarity rather than "success" does not have to remain an abstract possibility. It can be a lived-out reality rather than a wished-for idea, one empowered and sustained by the wholeness that the resurrection of Jesus Christ makes possible for the inner self."

Google voluntary simplicity and learn more about this lifestyle and reflect on how well it fits in with the teachings of Jesus.