But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:8
“To describe simplicity only as an inner reality is to say something false. The inner reality is not a reality until there is an outward expression. To experience the liberating spirit of simplicity will affect how we live. As I have warned earlier, every attempt to give specific application to simplicity runs the risk of a deterioration into legalism. It is a risk, however, that we must take, for to refuse to discuss specifics would banish the Discipline to the theoretical. After all, the writers of Scripture constantly took that risk. And so I follow their lead and suggest ten controlling principles for the outward expression of simplicity. They should never be viewed as laws but as only one attempt to flesh out the meaning of simplicity for today.
First, buy things for their usefulness rather than their status. Cars should be bought for their utility, not their prestige. Consider riding a bicycle. When you are considering an apartment, a condominium, or a house, thought should be given to livability rather than how much it will impress others. Don’t have more living space than is reasonable. After all, who needs seven rooms for two people? Consider your clothes. Most people have no need for more clothes. They buy more not because they need clothes, but because they want to keep up with the fashions. Hang the fashions! Buy what you need. Wear your clothes until they are worn out. Stop trying to impress people with your clothes and impress them with your life. If it is practical in your situation, learn the joy of making clothes. And for God’s sake (and I mean that quite literally) have clothes that are practical rather than ornamental.”
Richard Foster (b. 1942) in Celebration of Discipline (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1998) 89-90.
Foster’s good chapter on simplicity just got better with his list of ten practical applications. We will explore them over the next ten days.
Imagine if Christian stewards everywhere focused their spending toward what is useful and practical rather than on what is ornamental and aimed at gaining status before people!
It would be a different world. Today’s advice speaks to the decisions we make everyday related to spending. Useful things may not always be the least expensive.
Let’s all aim at this. Let’s set a trend not to follow the crowd but to choose a path of contentment with what is useful and practical in vehicles, living situations, apparel, and food.
The best part about this. It prepares us to give an account before God of our stewardship while creating margin to live, give, serve, and love generously and exhibiting a witness consistent to our faith.