I sometimes wonder if it is true that the more we have, the harder it is to live a life of simplicity that is in Christ. Simplicity in Christ speaks of a simple and single-hearted devotedness to Him, but, since we now live in a lifestyle that is greatly defined by the material things we possess, perhaps the discipline of simplicity is really not that simple after all.God warns us from being preoccupied with material things, yet we are surrounded by them. It is not wrong to have a life that is flowing with material blessings but it is wrong to be obsessed with them. When one starts to find satisfaction in material things rather than the spiritual, the simple and single-hearted devotedness to Him is lost because the heart is making room for other objects. How then can a heart still be called single when there is more than one aim, purpose and goal filling the heart?
I have to admit that I am very much materially blessed by God. I have so much more than I really need in life and sometimes, it does scare me because I wonder if I have lost the simplicity that Christ speaks of. I need to constantly remind myself that life is so much more than the abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15) because our true life is not made up of the material riches that we own, but the spiritual ones.
The man who stores up treasures for himself can never be rich towards God. Thus, I pray that the Lord will continually teach me how I can use all the blessings that I have to bless the lives of others; for the advancement of His kingdom.
One can only truly enjoy the material blessings of God when his/her heart has decided to surrender the material and embrace the eternal. What is your decision?
6 comments:
Well said, dear. Well said.
I'm your faithful reader :p hahaha... so here i am again to haunt u. (",)
I agree very much with what you say. Walking along the streets today, i was pondering a bit about it too. We're so blessed, and yet often times we just want more, more, more. Especially when we see the word "sale!" =P
I think it helps when we constantly help one another remember that whatever we have on earth is nothing compared to what is in stored for us in our eternal home. Perhaps, then, we'll be able to live in the simplicity you're talking about :) Nevertheless, praise God for the blessings you have! And never stop thanking Him for them. :)
haha! the word 'sale' is really attractive & captivating. but luckily we still go more for cheapo stuff.. =P
but yea, it is definitely something we have to remind one another about.. after all, that's why God gave us His family, to help one another grow more & more like Him. =)
Wonderful entry!
Simplicity in such a complicated world demands a lot on one's life to just draw back, sit tight and reflect on what one has gone through.
The obsession of matters and things don't necessarily have to come after acquiring them, in fact; the thought of it prior to having it is enough to keep one occupied with it for a long period of time.
The often worst partnership of obsession is obscurity. The ongoing fast-paced settings in our lives takes our eyes off from what our goals for Christ is; henceforth keeping us too preoccupied with our earthly matters. Dwelling onto it for a few more longer and we'd find ourselves missing something in our lives. That is 'if' we feel that need. It's an awesome thing that GOD never gives up on us.
A great point you have there. Indeed we don't have to wait till we have something before we get obsessed with it. Dwelling in our own thoughts can also make us preoccupied with the wrong things especially when we spend a lot of time thinking of unnecessary things.
Thanks! =)
one day a farmer from a 'kampung" went to the city to visit his son. As he was lining up at a bus stop suddenly he heard a very familiar voice. He ask the people around him "did you hear that?" "did you hear the sound of a cricket?" the people all answered no. in fact they were wondering how could one hear the sound of a cricket in this noisy city. the farmer trace the little sound and found a cricket in a bush near by. after that the farmer went back to the line, as he was trying to put out some coins from the pocket he accidentally drop 2 20 cent coin. as the coins touch the concrete floor and make a small "ting" sound all the people in the line turn and look down and around trying to trace the coins...
the farmer could detect, regconised and trace the sound of cricket because he is familiar to the sound. the people in the city also could detect the sound of coin even though very soft because they are familiar with that...
when we are too crop up and too familiar with the sound of material possession (the world) we wouldn't be able to detect the voice from God.
yea..that's so true.. His voice can only be heard when other things are not crowded in our lives..it's either His or others.. after all, Bible also said, no man can serve two masters.. =)
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