REORDERING ONE’S PRIVATE WORLD; THE DISCIPLINE OF SIMPLICITY

Everything around us works against reordering and simplifying our lives. Ours is a cluttered and complicated world. God did not create it that way. We as restless humanity has made it that way. “God has made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.” Ecclesiastes 7:29

1. Advertisements have one major goal; to make us discontented, dissatisfied with who we are and what we have. This is so we will acquire what they offer. And we do just that!!! We want more and more; ENOUGH IS NEVER ENOUGH. 2. Competition is another way the world has to get us discontent. You meet the goal and then the goal is set even higher. Relaxing is never an option. Size is never sufficient. We not only compete but we are driven to win. Not only do we acquire things, but we keep, and we accumulate. We want more and we must spend more and then spend more time maintaining those things. Staying ahead in this maddening pace leaves us strained, fretful and breathless. Since we know that God is not the author of confusion we begin to feel an emptiness within our being. The place where only God is able to fill.

To reorder one’s own world, the need to simplify is important. If we do not, we will find ourselves unable to be at rest within; unable to enter the deep silent areas of our hearts, where God’s words are communicated to us. If we live very long in this state our hearts grow cold toward Jesus and we become sucked back into the way of the world. “I am afraid lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” 11 Corinthians 11:3

How can we be led astray as a Christian? It can happen in the most unsuspected places; in a home where every member of the family is a Christian. . . in a church where truth is taught and Christ is exalted. . . even in the heart of a Christian who is in full time ministry. It is in the act of BUSYNESS where the enemy rears its ugly head.

3. Envy is another avenue that the enemy will use to pull you away. The attitude of judging, comparing and regretting or feeling proud, turns our focus from the things of God and becomes hooked on others as well as ourselves. Instead of being contented, we are consumed by envy. Our standard of contentment is raised so high, we can never measure up.

In the initial move toward cultivating intimacy with God, it is essential that we reorder our private lives. That requires us to slow our pace as well as stop the envy. Both of these tasks have to be done by ourselves. No one else can do this for us.

To get rid of the clutter in our lives, simplicity isn’t just nice - it is essential. But neither is it automatic; it will call forth intense determination. So get ready and begin to order your life with intent.