The world around us often celebrates excess—more accomplishments, more possessions, more connections, more noise. Yet Scripture calls us to something far more enduring and life-giving: simplicity rooted in godly contentment. This is not about denying ourselves joy or comfort, but about aligning our lives with the gentle rhythm of God’s design. Simplicity is not merely a lifestyle choice; it is a spiritual discipline—a deliberate act of surrender that says, “Lord, I need You more than anything else.”
The wise words of Proverbs 15:16 speak directly to this truth: “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.” In other words, a life marked by humble reverence for God, even if lacking in material abundance, is far richer than a life burdened by the anxiety and distraction that often accompany earthly gain. In Ecclesiastes 4:6, we read, “Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” These verses point us to the heart of simplicity—not just having less, but embracing what matters most.
In its truest form, simplicity draws us nearer to the Lord. It clears away what is unnecessary so that we may hear His voice more clearly. It opens space in our hearts and schedules for prayer, reflection, and worship. It loosens our grip on what is passing so we can take hold of what is eternal. Simplicity is not loss—it is gain in its purest and most liberating form.
A cluttered life is not merely an overfilled closet or an overcrowded schedule—it is often a reflection of a restless heart. When we seek fulfillment in possessions, accomplishments, or constant activity, we unknowingly distance ourselves from the stillness where God speaks most clearly. Clutter is not just physical; it can be emotional, mental, and spiritual. It distracts, divides, and dilutes our devotion.
There was a season in my life when my wife and I found ourselves caught in what I now recognize as a spiritual hamster wheel. We prayed earnestly for better jobs, for more income, and for greater provision. But those prayers, though sincerely offered, were often rooted in a desire to acquire more—to purchase what we didn’t truly need, to fill our home and our lives with things that only served us for a season. We asked for more, only to find ourselves praying again for even more. It became an endless cycle, and in time, the Lord graciously revealed the truth to us: we were not being good stewards of what we already had.
We had received blessings, but we had not always honored the Giver. We had wasted much while asking for increase. We had pursued abundance while neglecting contentment. In hindsight, we see how this pursuit weighed down our lives and crowded out our sense of peace. It was only when we began to let go—both physically and spiritually—that we discovered what true freedom and simplicity in Christ really meant.
The Lord does not oppose provision or growth. But when our desires outrun our gratitude, and our prayers become demands rather than petitions, we lose sight of the Giver and focus only on the gifts. Jesus Himself warned us of the “deceitfulness of riches and the cares of this world” (Mark 4:19), which can choke out the Word and render our spiritual soil unfruitful. The danger of a cluttered life is not just the mess—it is the missed opportunity to abide in the presence and sufficiency of our Savior.
At the heart of simplification lies a question every believer must ask: What truly matters? Not what appears urgent, impressive, or comfortable—but what holds eternal value? In a world that constantly demands our attention and encourages endless accumulation, we must return to the quiet wisdom of God’s Word, which calls us to walk humbly, live purposefully, and treasure what draws us nearer to Him.
True simplicity is not about poverty or deprivation—it is about prioritization. It is about placing eternal things above temporary ones. Jesus gently yet firmly instructed Martha in Luke 10:41–42, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better...” Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, while Martha was caught up in the busyness of service. Both were doing something good, but only one chose what mattered most in that moment: being with the Lord.
When we simplify our lives, we make space for worship. We clear out the noise to hear God’s voice. We relinquish our grip on the temporal to embrace the eternal. This means evaluating every area—our time, our finances, our possessions, our relationships—and asking: Does this draw me closer to Christ or pull me away from Him?
For my wife and me, this process began with sorting through physical items, but it quickly led to deeper spiritual inventory. As we made space externally, we found clarity internally. We discovered we had more time—time to focus on the things that truly matter. We began setting aside intentional moments in the morning and evening to pray, read devotionals, and share in the Word of God together. We also found joy in simple, meaningful experiences—like going out for ice cream and simply sitting together in conversation. These moments, small as they may seem, have become sacred, drawing us closer to one another and to the Lord.
We made the decision to cancel our cable service, recognizing that hours once lost to television could now be redeemed through worship and connection. In its place, we began playing worship music and hymns—sounds that now fill our home with peace and keep our hearts aligned with the first pillar: keeping God at the center. Our conversations, enriched by this spiritual environment, have also deepened our relationship as a couple, drawing us back to the second pillar: the importance of family.
By simplifying, we have not lost—we have gained. We have reclaimed time, space, and attention for what matters most: God, one another, and the purpose to which He has called us.
As we bring this message to a close, we now look ahead to the fourth and final pillar in this spiritual framework: Being Healthy to Serve God. Just as simplicity clears the path for greater focus and fellowship, so too does it open the door to intentional stewardship of our physical and emotional well-being. When our lives are free from unnecessary burdens and distractions, we are better positioned to care for the bodies God has given us—not for vanity, but for vitality in service to Him.
Health—physical, mental, and spiritual—is often overlooked in discussions of discipleship, yet it plays a vital role in fulfilling our calling. When we are fatigued, overextended, or physically unwell due to poor habits or neglect, our ability to serve with strength and joy is diminished. Simplifying our lives gives us the margin to rest, reflect, and make healthier choices—not only for ourselves, but for the people God has called us to love and serve.
As we prepare to explore this final pillar, I encourage you to prayerfully consider how the three we have already discussed—focusing on God, strengthening family, and simplifying life—all contribute to a life that is ready and able to serve the Lord with energy, clarity, and devotion.
Beloved, I invite you now to pause and reflect: What in your life is weighing you down or pulling you away from the presence of God? Are there habits, possessions, obligations, or distractions that consume your time, your energy, or your peace? The Lord is not calling you to a life of constant accumulation, but to a life of purpose, freedom, and fellowship with Him. Simplifying is not about deprivation—it is about devotion. It is a spiritual act of faith that says, “Lord, I trust You to be my portion and my provider.”
I encourage you this week to prayerfully examine one area of your life where the Lord may be calling you to let go. It may be something physical, like a possession you’ve been holding onto unnecessarily. It may be something mental or emotional, such as a worry, a pressure, or an unhealthy commitment that burdens your spirit. Release it into God’s hands and ask Him to fill that space with His peace and presence.
Start small but start intentionally. Choose one step—perhaps setting aside time for evening prayer, turning off the television to read Scripture, or reconnecting with a loved one through undistracted conversation. Let that simple act become an open door through which the Lord may pour out His wisdom, peace, and joy.
Do not be afraid to live with less if it means living with more of Christ.
As we conclude this message on the simplification of life, let us take heart in the still, reassuring voice of our Heavenly Father, who gently calls us to lay down the heavy and unnecessary burdens we have picked up along the way. In Psalm 46:10, we are commanded with loving clarity: “Be still, and know that I am God.” In the stillness, in the letting go, in the quieted heart—there we rediscover the wonder of His presence.
Let us not fear simplicity, but embrace it as a sacred invitation to walk more closely with our Creator. Let us choose what is better, as Mary did, and sit at the feet of our Savior, unburdened by the many distractions of the world. May your home, your schedule, your mind, and your soul find peace in the presence of the Lord.
May the Lord strengthen your faith and use it for His glory, as you walk humbly in His presence.
