I am teaching a summer Bible Study on
Daniel by Beth Moore.
Many truths have been brought
to mind over the last 5 weeks and I’m sure many more will come to mind over the
next few.
I’ve always had an interest
in simplicity but haven’t always succeeded in accomplishing it as well as I
would like. But, I have led a fairly simple life when I think about it. In
working on my study today, Beth Moore brings up the subject of luxurious living.
And since I am a professional rabbit chaser – this subject has taken me to
simplistic living.
And I learned early on –
simplicity doesn’t always mean simple living! I lived for 9 months one time with
no running water… My life was anything but simple!! – and NO that wasn’t overseas! So going off the grid like
I’ve seen on my cable TV is not at all appealing to me….
Anyway, today my study
brought to mind living simply and how “stuff” really can have control over us
and control us – just by their upkeep.
Here in the USA we have a
tendency to believe we must have necessities. Yet many of our necessities are
just “stuff” that takes up space and time. (I'm trying NOT to think of the purses in my closet...)
{Pastor Brad is planning a
sermon series this fall on simplicity – and I am really looking forward to it.}
My biggest problem with
“stuff” is the history that comes with my family. I have some of the most
beautiful heirloom furniture that has been passed down from generation to
generation. This is truly “stuff” that I wouldn’t want to give up. Each piece
has such a history – such a story to tell.
So, in choosing how to
simplify – I know I must be smart – more importantly I don’t want to have so
much “stuff” that it controls me. – Like my dear husband used to say about
buying a car – if you can’t walk away from a sale – you are in big trouble! So
don’t have so much stuff that you can’t walk away - should God ask it of
you.
We are a people that live in
luxury. Dear Readers, you may not feel as if you live a life of luxury but we
do. Comparably speaking. We have running hot and cold water, electricity, many
of us have cable TV, phones, most of us have vehicles or at least access to
public transportation. Most of us have a roof over our heads. – and I could go
on and on about our grocery stores, our access to medical care…. We truly do
live in luxury.
Also with this train of
thought, I am making decisions about down-sizing. So I often mentally go through
my house thinking of what to keep and what to get rid of.
These are just some thoughts
I’ve had today after completing my Bible Study. Food for thought. Things to pray
about. Even ask advice about.
Some interesting books on
simplicity I’ve read:
Simplify:
Ten Practices to Unclutter Your Soul by Bill Hybels
I’m certain there are more –
but these have been my favorite.
Share with me, if you will
some of your thoughts on Luxurious living and Living a Simple Life. I love
hearing from you.
