Home >> Ministries >> Life Planning Ministries >> Simplify Your Life
Simplify Your Life
We Christians must simplify our lives or lose untold treasures on earth and in eternity. Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. The need for solitude and quietness was never greater than it is today. — A. W. Tozer
God does not want us to be slaves to the things of this world. In every way — financially, spiritually and emotionally — most of us could greatly benefit from a simpler life.
Unsure about where to begin when it comes to simplifying your life? Norm Wright in Christianity Today suggests you start by completing these statements:
- If my life were simplified, I would feel …
- To me a simple life means …
- If I were to simplify my life, I would
- What keeps me from simplifying my life is …
If you are married, discuss your answers after you have individually answered the questions and attempt to reach some consensus. What are some ways you can work together to simplify your lives?
Whether it’s downsizing to a smaller home; leaving a 60 hour/week job for one that gives you more free time; or something as small as buying a more fuel efficient car or finding an extra hour each week for God and family, with a little planning simplifying is definitely possible and can be deeply satisfying.
Here are some tips from experts on ways to simplify your life:
- Simplify your finances. If you must have credit cards at all, have just one or two major ones for business purposes only. Don't spend beyond your means. Pay for purchases in cash instead. Pay your bills online whenever you can. Balance your checkbook each month, so you don't fall way behind. Set up a monthly spending budget and stick to it so you don't go overboard. (www.lifeorganizers.com/home/7-things-to-simplify-today.htm)
- Clear the clutter. Clear out your closets. If you, your spouse or your children have not worn an item within the past twelve months, get rid of it. Take a good hard look at your storage areas; cupboards, cabinets, display shelves. Are you using them, or do they reflect beauty, joy or peace, and do they reflect your personality? If not, why keep them? Lastly, evaluate your furniture. Is it functional and does it reflect your style or is it something you could easily do without? (www.stylishcomfort.com)
- Downsize your house. The average house size has increased from 1300 square feet in 1975 to nearly 2400 square feet in 2005. Moving to a smaller house or townhouse will leave you with increased cash flow for retirement or other needs, will require less time for maintenance, will lower your utility bills, will reduce consumption (less space to put needless “stuff”) and will minimize stress. (www.homebuyingabout.com)
- Clear your calendar. Determine what is important, set goals, and evaluate your activities by looking at your calendar or PDA. Are your scheduled activities really getting you closer to your goals and do they fit your values? If not, why do you need to do them? Turn off the television (eliminate distractions), group your errands, let go (don’t look back), and practice gratitude! (www.fatherhood.about.com)
- Center your life in Christ. “Be content with such things as you have” (Hebrews 13:5). How can the Lord expect that of us? It’s because in the same verse “He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Regardless of what we do not have, knowing that we’ll never lose the riches of the presence of the Lord Himself should content us “with such things as [we] have.” And this kind of Christ-centered contentment liberates us from the complicating pursuit of more and builds the wealth of simplicity. Enjoy the wealth. (www.biblicalspirituality.org)