Simplicity / 1 Timothy 6:6-11
We live in a world that constantly pushes us to desire more—more money, more possessions, more status, more recognition. But the truth is, God has not designed us to live in complexity and constant striving. Instead, He has called us to a life of simplicity. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and is an essential spiritual discipline that brings us closer to Him.
Godliness + Contentment = Simplicity
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 6:6, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Our attitudes toward money, status, and possessions should reflect godliness combined with contentment. However, this is not always easy. Many of us—including myself—struggle with the desire for more. We often seek validation through material things, worrying about how we compare to others.
Jesus addresses this struggle in Matthew 6:25-33, where He tells us not to worry about food, clothing, or material needs. Instead, He urges us to seek first the Kingdom of God, trusting that everything we truly need will be provided for us.
The Danger of Excess and the Power of Contentment
Paul also warns in 1 Timothy 6:7, “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.” Yet, we often live as if accumulating wealth and possessions is our ultimate purpose. The reality is, excessive attachment to wealth leads to temptation, greed, and even spiritual destruction (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
Contentment, on the other hand, is a choice. It comes from recognizing that God is our provider. Psalm 37:16 says, “Better is the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked.” Proverbs 15:16 echoes this: “Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.” Even Jesus warns in Matthew 16:26, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
Practical Steps to Simplicity
To embrace a life of simplicity, we must intentionally shift our focus away from materialism and toward godliness and generosity. Here are ten practical steps adapted from Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline:
Buy things for their usefulness, not their status.
Reject anything that produces addiction in you.
Develop a habit of giving things away.
Refuse to be influenced by advertising and consumer culture.
Learn to enjoy things without owning them.
Avoid unnecessary debt and live within your means.
Practice generosity by supporting those in need.
Prioritize experiences and relationships over material possessions.
Simplify your commitments to focus on what truly matters.
Seek first the Kingdom of God in all aspects of life.
Final Thoughts
Simplicity is not about poverty; it is about trusting God as our provider and finding joy in contentment. It is about living with open hands, sharing what we have, and focusing on eternal treasures rather than earthly ones.
As you go through this week, reflect on these questions:
Are you seeking more of God or more of the world?
Do your habits reflect contentment or greed?
How can you practice generosity and simplicity in your daily life?
Let’s commit to living godly, content, and simple lives, knowing that in doing so, we gain far more than the world could ever offer.
