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.

Insights?

How is it that we have so many unqualified people offering advice online? They have little knowledge besides their own personal experience, and yet they offer counsel on health concerns, parenting, traveling, financial dealings, farming, and life in general. How did they gain these insights that they call hacks? Can this information be trusted? I wouldn’t trust it if I were you.

Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” You can gain knowledge of many things, but wisdom to live a good life starts with trusting God. Seek to know God more each day and you will find that you are learning to have insights into how you should live.

Desires Satisfied

It is not often that our desires are fully satisfied. We may experience a temporary satisfaction with a great meal or good relationships. But when are our deepest and truest desires really satisfied? And can these true desires be satisfied forever?

Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Following Jesus is the path of life. Only He can satisfy our true desires and give us real heart satisfying joy forever. He knows us intimately because He formed us and specifically created each of us. He loves us and has great plans for us. Therefore, He can satisfy our deepest desires, and He wants to do this marvelous thing for us.

Out of Our Comfort Zone

Have you noticed that circumstances that take us out of our comfort zone, usually lead us to learn something important and make us stronger? In these circumstances we are forced to try something new and do something different.

Psalm 119:76 says, “Let you steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.” In the Bible, God promises many times that He will comfort us in our afflictions, struggles, and trials. However, He never promises to make us comfortable in this life. That’s because when we are comfortable we tend to forget the need for faith. When God takes us out of our comfort zone, it will inevitably lead us to trusting God and receiving His comfort.

Preferences

Throughout our lives we develop preferences. We like to eat certain things, live in a particular area, gather a group of friends that we prefer to spend time with, and watch specific shows. A problem with our preferences is that they become strong enough to exclude nonpreferential things. A worse affect of preferences is their application to people. We can easily prefer certain types of people to the exclusion of others, which may lead to bias against our nonpreferential people.

Ephesians 2:14 says, “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” God, in His grace, makes all of His children into one body, one family. He removes the things that divide us and gives us peace. See to it that you have this same attitude, promoting peace and love rather than differences and bias. God makes no room for bigotry or prejudice. Neither should we.