Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:33-37, Luke 10:38-42, Luke 12:15-33, 1 Timothy 6:9, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Hebrews 13:5, James 4:1-2
Over the last several years in America there has been a rising emphasis on minimalism and downsizing as a response to consumerism and the anxiety it stirs up in human hearts. The idea of simplifying life, even of asceticism (self-discipline and abstinence from worldly pleasures), has a certain draw because of the self-control it signifies and the removal of chaos from life. We tend to think in terms of habits and lifestyles, our self-dictated modes of constructing a life to achieve a certain outcome—in this case, peace through simplification. But this is not the way the Bible addresses simplicity.
Throughout the New Testament, the emphasis from Jesus and all the other authors is on the heart.
When Jesus spoke with Mary and Martha (Luke 10), He commended Mary’s heart, her desire to receive from Him. In Matthew 5, Jesus upheld a clear, straightforward, honest character: Be a person of your word. In Luke 12, Jesus used examples—a rich fool, the birds, the flowers—to remind us that rooted faith in a loving heavenly Father counteracts anxiety. And Hebrews 13:5 points us to contentment, not technique: “Be satisfied with what you have.” These verses, and so many others like them, clearly show that what matters most is what our hearts are resting on and trusting in.
Where are we looking for contentment, and on what are we placing our hope?
Of course, the Bible addresses acute dangers with pointed warnings. The New Testament writers knew intimately the temptations and inclinations of the human heart, including and especially the love of money (1Timothy 6:9,17–19, Hebrews 13:5). It is a universal temptation, whether we have lots of money or very little, because the love of money is less about wealth and more about worship. To love money (or possessions of any kind) is to place more confidence in it, to desire it more, and to give it a more prominent place in our heart than Jesus. So the Bible doesn’t command specific actions or strategies to resist this temptation—downsize, donate, minimize, etc.—because the remedy is not external but internal.
We must rest our hearts, our lives, and our futures entirely on Christ. That is true simplicity.
Simplicity resides at the level of faith. On what are you depending? In whom are you hoping? By what standard do you measure your success and reputation? If the answer is anything other than Jesus, we have invited chaos and anxiety into our hearts.
If this (ironically) seems simplistic to you, consider that such foundational faith will inevitably shape the rest of your life—your decisions, lifestyle, and planning. To place your trust solely in Jesus is not eschewing responsibility but directing it decisively with single-mindedness. When the Bible speaks of being single-minded or whole-hearted, it means to have one focus, one aim, one provider, one God, one Savior. It means to depend wholly on Christ, serve Him alone, and let Him shape and direct your decisions. This can be frightening because we are tempted to think that securing the future depends on us. But remember: “Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
Written by Barnabas Piper
Leave a Reply
13 thoughts on "Simplicity"
It can be hard not to worry about money and falsely allow it to take over my thoughts. Am I making enough? Can I afford this? So on and so forth. May I be convicted by the Holy Spirit in those moments to reorient my thinking. God is faithful. He will always provide!
SIMPLICITY reminded me of God’s Divine Simplicity.
.
Found this explanation with AI:
“By “simple,” theologians do not mean that God is easy to understand, plain, or lacking depth. Instead, it is the opposite of being compound. God is an indivisible, unified reality.”
.
Just pondering how God’d simplicity might be more of how we are to be simple too. Not a monetary thing per se, but an undivided heart and purpose.
.
Traveling back to Ohio today. Prayers appreciated.
.
Praying for your requeats.
In understanding simplicity from God’s perspective, prioritizing Him is key. I know this, yet struggle to keep the Lord in the #1 spot. Praying on how can I be less Martha and more Mary and still meet my responsibilities to family and my work load. I feel like I’m constantly in motion, always working to finish at least 1 thing. And the things, they just keep coming.
.
TERESA COOPER DONLEY praying for ophthalmologist appointment
MARGARET W ❤️
GWINETH52 ❤️❤️❤️ loved your ‘lyrics’ yesterday
CEE GEE ❤️
MICHELLE P ❤️ ‘But there is hope to be had and I hold onto that’ – yes, we always have Jesus, hand on tight, sister ❤️
RHONDA J ❤️ praying for your loved ones
KAREN SWANSON ❤️ the phrase you shared “classroom of silence” – thinking on what is taught and what can we learn there, thank you
TANYA EVANS ❤️ praying for Liz, Rita and Leo
.
Prayer request – friend’s husband, J, (mid 50’s) previously had multiple surgeries and procedures in one eye due to detached retina and complications – in the past 3 weeks has had 2 emergency surgeries due to detached retina in the other eye (his good one) and an additional procedure. Vision is extremely poor at this point, praying for improvement in eyesight so that he can drive and return to work, and especially praying there are no more problems with either eye.
Praying, SEARCHING
Amen
Amen!
As it always is, it’s the heart issue. What am I trusting in? Where is my hope? I so often want to add to or “help” create that security. I often want to trust in “Jesus…plus my bank account, Jesus…plus my careful planning, Jesus…plus my feelings or experiences, Jesus…plus my hard work”. None of those “add-ons” are bad in and of themselves, but they are terrible saviors. Lord help me to place my hope, trust, and faith in you and you alone! Grant me peace and freedom from anxiety that comes from full reliance upon you! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
I second your prayer! And yes,”Jesus plus” is usually my default as well.
Good morning! I love that in Luke 12 the Scripture reminds us that our Father already knows what we need. I am reading this portion of the text and thinking that my mind is like Martha’s all the time! I am so grateful for the passage “do not be anxious”!
Simplicity isn’t really about having less or changing everything about our lifestyle. It’s about where our hearts are placing our hope and finding our contentment. It’s so easy to look to things we can control or accumulate for security, but I’m reminded that true peace comes from trusting Jesus with my life, my future, and everything in between. I want my heart to be satisfied in Him instead of always looking for something else to make me feel secure.
Smen
❤️❤️❤️
Loving and praying you all have a Mighty God blessed day.
Praying for requests..
Much love covered in hugs..❤️