The Christian Minimalist
Breaking the ties of Consumer Culture and Consumer Christianity
Most of last month for me was spent watching "Tidying Up", "Tiny House Nation", and the documentary "Minimalism" as motivation to get rid of all of the things before we move; downsizing to what we really need and what really adds to our life not just taking up space.
Towards the beginning of the documentary, the speaker says that when he noticed his friend, who had the same job as him, was just different, he pulled him aside as asked, "why are you so happy?"
As I was piddling around the house only half paying attention. That sentence stopped me in my tracks as the Holy Spirit nudged me. "Do people want to know why you are so happy? What do you tell them?" And my heart and mind was flooded with scripture.
Our need of possessions stems from FOMO, a Fear of Missing Out
As I packed for the move, I realized the more stuff I got rid of, the happier and more content I was. Joy, peace, comfort, calm….it came from LESS stuff, not more. Then as the move got closer and the stress increased, I realized I was losing more than just extra belongings, I was sacrificing my time with Christ. The less time I spent with God, the more overwhelm, stress, and chaos crept back into my mind. That’s when I saw the true formula for peace.
Less Stuff, More Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
1 Corinthians 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe
1 Peter 3:15 " But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"
Psalm 115:4 "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands."
1 Timothy 2:9 "And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes."
Philippians 4:11 "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content."
Matthew 6:19-21 "“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"
1 Timothy 6:6-12 "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
Luke 18:22 When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Matthew 19:24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.
