Living Simply

Came across this article of interest.  It builts on the knowledge of a simpler life.


Blessed day !
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Living Simply Part 3 (Ten Steps to Living Simply)

This three part series is lifted from thoughts in Richard Foster’s book Celebration of Discipline. (I would highly recommend it).
To wrap up this mini-series on living with a call to simplicity and contentment, I will give you Foster’s ten suggestions for living a simpler life. They are worth taking the time to think over and reflect on. Again, I would highly recommend his book to anyone interested at some practical ways to grow spiritually. It is a Christian classic.


1. “Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.” Clothes are a perfect example. Do you really need more clothes, or are you simply trying to stay in style?

2. “Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you…simplicity is freedom, not slavery.” We instantly write this one off, but Foster goes on to include things like TV, magazines, etc.

3. “Develop a habit of giving things away…De-accumulate! Masses of tings that are not needed complicate life.” Worth taking a walk through the house and garage and take stock of how much stuff you have that you never use.

4. “Refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry.” Keeping up with the latest and greatest forces you to pay premium prices for all purchases (and often incurs the headaches of companies working the “glitches” out of their products).

5. “Learn to enjoy things without owning them. Owning things is an obsession in our culture…Enjoy the beach without feeling you have to buy a piece of it.” It’s true what they say, the best things in life are free.

6. “Develop a deeper appreciation for the creation.” This one definitely connects to number 5.

7. “Look with a healthy skepticism at all ‘buy now, pay later’ schemes…certainly prudence, as well as simplicity, demands that we use extreme caution before incurring debt.” Well said.

8. “Obey Jesus’ instructions about plain, honest speech…Make honesty and integrity the distinquishing characteristics of your speech.” An interesting slant to call our words to simplicity.

9. “Reject anything that breeds the oppression of others.” Again, purity of heart and motive are called into question here.

10. “Shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the kingdom God.” Amen.

Other articles of interest :
Living Simply Part 2
Living Simply Part 1