SIMPLICITY

In chapter 6 of his book Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster focuses on the Spiritual Discipline of Simplicity.

The Christan discipline of Simplicity is an inward reality that results in an outward lifestyle … Experiencing the inward reality liberates us outwardly. Speech becomes truthful and honest. The lust for status and position is gone, because we no longer need status and position. We cease from showy extravagance, not on the grounds of being unable to afford it, but on the grounds of principle. Our goods become available to others.

Because we lack a divine Center our need for security has led us into an insane attachment to things. … We crave things we neither need nor enjoy. ‘We buy things we do not want to impress people we do not like.’ We are made to feel ashamed to wear clothes or drive cars until they are worn out….. Covetousness we call ambition. Hoarding we call prudence. Greed we call industry.

The Spiritual Discipline of Simplicity explores the biblical view of the proper place of money and possessions in the lives of God’s people. We can start with our own definition and application of the terms/words Forster uses above.

Prayer

Lord, help me to discern the difference between need and want, and to trust You to provide me with enough. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.