keep it simple

“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” Mark 8:35-37 [NIV]

Have you considered the spiritual practice of Simplicity?

Reflecting on the scripture from Mark 8, it seems that Jesus is saying: gaining is really losing, and losing, another way of simplifying, is actually saving. 

With Simplicity, as we “lose” things of this world, we gain Jesus! 

A simpler time of my life was when I lived and worked in Uganda 20 years ago. I lived “out in the bush” with no running water, no electricity and a very focused role working at Cornerstone Leadership Academy.

I had more: time, space out in nature, sleep, exercise, reading and solitude. 

I had less: internet, options, errands, shopping, junk food and convenience.

Before I moved to Uganda, a friend who had been a missionary overseas said to me, “you'll never be as intimate with God as you will be when you're in Uganda.” Honestly, I was annoyed at that comment because I thought, I'll grow in steady intimacy as life goes on, no matter where I am.

However, she was right. 

My simple living in Uganda led to the most intimate relationship with the Lord! There was less competition for the lordship of my heart. There was more time with him, more time worshiping and more time reading his Word! 

Consider this practice for this week: What are one or two things to have less of and one or two to have more of that will help you gain Simplicity (and therefore, Jesus)? 

For me, it’s more time outside in nature going on a few more walks… maybe even at the beach! It’s less internet chaos by putting my phone up at 8:00 pm each night. That will be hard one for me. 

What about you? How are you going to practice Simplicity this week?