Simplicity

Have you noticed the correlation between possessions and time? The more possessions we obtain, the more time it takes to care for and manage these possessions. Several years ago, my wife and I gave away almost all of our possessions as we headed overseas to live for several years. It was a freeing experience, not to have to care for these “things”. In our later years, we have noticed that people who hold onto a lot of possessions, make things difficult for their loved ones to manage these possessions upon their deaths. Jealousy, envy, greed, harshness, confusion and anger all rear their ugly heads upon the death of a loved one, even amidst the most loving of families. For a long time, I have encouraged older friends to “liquidate” as much as they can before they pass. Much can be said about the advantages of simplicity and avoiding the entanglements of possessions.

2 Corinthians1:12 says, “For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God.” We should not become entangled with worldly possessions or behaviors, but rather seek wisdom by the grace of God. Freedom from the lure of worldly possessions allows facilitates our efforts to seek God more sincerely. Following worldly behaviors only takes us farther from sincere faith in God.