“Living simply is of itself a work of art; it is beautiful. Life lived with intentional simplicity radiates calm and order, so even if accomplished for no more than its own sake, it would still be a balm, a salve, to our frantic stressed, over-pressured society. But Gospel simplicity is not for its own sake, but is a way of worship and service.
The purpose of Gospel simplicity is to create the space necessary for us to obey the call of Christ: ‘follow me’. Following Jesus is not just a matter of acquiescence to doctrines, but implies an active transformation of our lives: that is to say, it is not only something we believe (though it starts with that), but also something we do because of what we believe.”
Penelope Wilcock, In Celebration of Simplicity (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2009) 24.