I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:12-13
“If only living simply were actually simple…What should we do with this simple-living paradox, this challenge that for many of us today, living simply takes real work? Even when we attempt to living simply, we can end up with another experience entirely…While simple living is not so simple, it can lead to generosity in many forms: generous giving of time, generous giving of money, generous giving of love, and eventually, generous thanksgiving…
And yet, for those who have much, living simply can become a call to action responding to God’s good and unexpected gifts to us. As Paul indicates, it is a learning process, a sanctification process, even, of being made holy by the Spirit’s good work in us. Like Paul, as we focus our living out the gospel of Christ, we cannot expect that simple living is easy. Together, though, we might find that with God, simple living is faithful.”
Adam Copeland in “Not So Simple: Living in Christ” in Giving: Growing Joyful Stewards in Your Congregation, volume 18 (Richmond: ESC, 2016) 6-7.
Copeland nails the paradox of simple living. It’s hard but it’s the faithful path on which God transforms us to become his conduits of love, service, and generosity. What would it look like for you to simplify? To give away possessions that actually own you because of the time it takes you to take care of them? Take time today to think about this. It’s what I will be challenging my students to do in my teaching this summer, so that, like Paul, they can model simple living.
Today I preached at two churches in Seoul on “Managing God’s Resources Faithfully: Five Reminders for Stewards” from Luke 16:1-13. Email me if you’d like a copy of my sermon manuscript, and please pray for hearts to be receptive of the message God’s given me to share. Please also pray for safe travels for Dr. Wes Willmer and me from Seoul, South Korea to Sydney, Australia tonight and then connecting to Brisbane, Australia tomorrow. Thank you.