In his book, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster offers 10 Controlling Principles of Simplicity that condition the inward reality of a single hearted focus. Here they are:
1. Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status. “Stop trying to impress people with your clothes and impress them with your life.”
2. Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you. In our media saturated culture it can be hard, but “any of the media that you find you cannot do without, get rid of.” And, “if money has a grip on your heart, give some away.” “Refuse to be a slave to anything but God”.
3. Develop a habit of giving things away. De-accumulate!
4. Refuse to be lured into the need for gadgets and “new” everything.
5. Learn to enjoy things without owning them.
6. Develop a deeper appreciation for the creation. “Simplicity means to discover once again that ‘the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof’.”
7. Look with healthy skepticism at all “buy now, pay later” schemes. Be extremely cautious of incurring debt.
8. Obey Jesus’ instructions about plain, honest speech (Matthew 5:37).
9. Reject anything that breeds the oppression of others. “In a world of limited resources, does our lust for wealth mean the poverty of others?” Consider buying food and other items that are “fair trade”.
10. Lastly, shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the Kingdom of God. This is ultimately where the heart of true simplicity lives. “always hold the Kingdom of God as the number one priority of our lives. To do so is to live in simplicity.”
These are not rules. Resist the temptation to make them laws. It is about the heart.
Yesterday, a few people asked me if I was serious about having a yard sale this week and getting rid of my "stuff." The answer is Yes! so come and buy my stuff from me. The proceeds are going to missions. Now here are the Supremes for your enjoyment.
No comments:
Post a Comment