MAY: SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE OF SIMPLICITY
This month in The Good Life, we are practicing the spiritual discipline of Simplicity.
Unlike Minimalism, Simplicity is not about architecture or design. It’s also not about organizing. Too often, “organization” is actually making more room for more stuff. Also, Simplicity isn’t about nothing, but it IS about living with less.
Consumer culture has taught us that the more we have, the happier we’ll be. However, what Jesus teaches us in Scripture is quite the opposite.
As you practice Simplicity this month, you will begin to understand how the clutter of our homes and garages can lead to clutter in our hearts, minds, and souls. Matthew and Luke’s Gospel accounts help us understand what it means for our hearts to receive the right kind of treasure – heavenly treasure – and we’re excited to practice living life to the full by doing it with less.
5 ways to begin the Discipline of Simplicity:
1. For your Schedule: Write down all of your current commitments individually on notecards and lay them out on a table. Before you begin to pick up the cards, pray and ask God: Is this the best thing and/or does God have this activity for me? Throw away the cards not picked up and begin a new block schedule. The goal is to actually have cards to throw away.
2. For your Swag: Choose selected pieces of clothing (2 shirts, 2 pants, 2 shoes, etc.) and wear them exclusively for the month.
3. For your Stuff: Create 4 boxes labeled: Throw, Sell, Give Away and Wait. Throughout the month place items around the house in the categorized boxes. **The box labeled Wait is for keeping items with emotional connection in the bin for 6 months. After the 6 months, if you have not touched the items then it’s time to Give Away, Throw, or Sell.
4. For your Stuff Part 2: No purchasing from one of your favorite stores for the month. Yes, that means Target.
5. When you can this month, practice sharing. Car rides, books, appliances. Learn to enjoy things without owning them.