This post is all about simplifying life biblically, what it means for you, and how to do it.
Do you struggle with overwhelm? Too many things in your house or appointments on your calendar. This post is for you! In it, you will discover the secret to living a more fulfilling life by finally doing the things that matter and rejecting the distractions that try to deter you from them!
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Making time for what’s important: the purpose of simplifying life
Do you often feel overwhelmed by this world? Maybe it’s the constant rushing from one activity to the next. Perhaps you have too many deadlines at work to meet, or maybe you turn on the news and can’t stand to hear about the evil in this world.
Whatever the case may be, Jesus did not come to give you an overwhelmed life, but rather an abundant life (John 10:10). He came to give you peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7) and hope for your future (Jeremiah 29:11). These things are found in Jesus, and it is only through Him that you can truly live.
But how do you experience life in Jesus when you are always on the go? The key is learning how to simplify your life by saying “no” to what doesn’t matter and “yes” to what does.
Related post: Slow Living | The Amazing Truth About Finding Your Rest In God
Having true intimacy and connection with God is difficult for us in this modern world because our lives are too chaotic and cluttered. Learning to prioritize time with God by saying “no” to the noise of life will help you in simplifying your life Biblically.
Seeking first the kingdom of God
Jesus tells us to seek first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness, and everything else will come later (Matthew 6:33). The key to simplifying life is to seek God first, putting Him first in everything. As you do that, your perspective will start to shift as you become kingdom-focused. You will start to realize that the things you once considered important aren’t that valuable after all.
Related Post: 13 Ways to Worry Less | How to Seek First the Kingdom
Seeking first the kingdom of God means pursuing God. It means spending time in His word and growing in your relationship with Him. It means learning how to pray and talk to him as so many of the patriarchs did. Although this may sound like more boxes on your list to complete – which is the opposite of living simply – seeking God first changes your perspective and clarifies what is really important in your life.
Uncovering Biblical principles for simplifying life
Although the Bible may not contain a neat and tidy checklist of “21 ways to simplify your life,” there are many verses that give you principles to live by. These principles, when applied to how you view the world, will give you an overwhelming peace for whatever comes your way.
Disclaimer: a time to simplify and a time to step out
Part of simplifying biblically is knowing that you don’t always have to simplify. Maybe it isn’t the right season for you to declutter. Or maybe God is actually asking you to step up and step out. Whatever the season you are going through, remember to keep your eyes on Jesus, who truly is the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Understanding the call to simplifying life
Simplify means to make something simple. Does that describe your life? For most of us, the answer is “no, not at all.” I think Jesus must have known this because all throughout the Bible He simplified His teachings so that everyone could understand.
When asked what the most important command was, he simply answered: “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. The second greatest command is like it: love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:36-40). If all of the laws and prophets hang on these two commands, then we should probably start here in seeking first the kingdom of God and learning to live Biblically. And the best way to begin loving God and your neighbor is to simplify everything else that doesn’t contribute to that goal.
Overwhelmed by the demands of modern life
In a fast-paced world of short-form content creation, keeping up with the Joneses, and endless new products to buy, places to go, and people to imitate, it is easy to get overwhelmed. It seems that there is always something to be done, leaving no time for God or loving His creation. The key to living simply is identifying what is taking your time away from you. What is causing you distractions? And what you can let go of.
The culture of busyness: distractions and noise
I once heard a saying “who the devil cannot dissuade, he distracts.” What a terrifying idea! The fact is, I know the devil will never be able to deter me from following Christ and serving Him, but there have been many times that I have gotten so distracted that I just don’t have time for Him.
Perhaps you are right there with me. The time in your day seems to slip away and before you know it, all those good intentions of spending time in the Word are gone as your head hits the pillow after another long, exhausting day.
The gospel of John tells us that “the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy.” He wants to make it so that we have no joy in life. He delights when we are so overwhelmed by the chaos of life that we have no time to go to the comforter and father of peace. But there is good news in John 10:10, Jesus says that although the thief has come to steal your joy, He has come so that you may have abundant life in Him. But in order to live the life God has called you to, you must learn to listen to His voice above all of the noise.
Discovering what truly matters by simplifying life
It comes as no surprise that when people are on their death-bed, thinking about what they wished they had done differently during their lives, almost everyone says they wished that they had spent more time on relationships. They regret the business of life; long work days, too many extracurriculars, and too much time wasted on pointless activity. They desire more time with family and loved ones.
If you have this knowledge now, then why don’t you use it? Why don’t you take the time now to discover what truly matters? If you knew you were going to die next week, would you be content living with what you have scheduled on your calendar? Or would you make more time for being in the Word and enjoying the important people in your life?
Embracing simplicity in a materialistic world
This world tries to sell us the image of having the perfect life, which includes achieving success in your career so you have enough money to keep up with all the trends and take all the vacations. Marketers have created the perfect strategy of using influencers so you will buy their products. Each article promising in it’s own way to make your life better.
Unfortunately, that leaves most people with too many possessions and not enough time or energy to enjoy them.
Enjoying simplicity in a materialistic world means taking a look around you and asking yourself what you really need. What are the things in your house that are both functional and enjoyable? What are the activities that you do every day that bring you new life? And what weighs you down?
The difference between culture and kingdom values: detaching from material possessions
Culture is constantly telling you that you need to be more and do more. But God is telling you that it is already done. When Jesus died on the cross he simply exclaimed “It is finished.” In a single moment, he made Old Testament laws of sacrifice void as He fulfilled them by giving His life as a ransom for yours.
The difference between culture and the Kingdom comes in what you value. Jesus said that men cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Do you serve God alone? Or do you allow your physical possessions to get in the way? This can happen both by spending your money on buying more things, but also by spending your time to upkeep what you have. Perhaps it is time to let go of some of your possessions so you can free yourself of the burden of keeping them.
Simplifying life means finding contentment in every situation
One of the reasons people become so attached to what they have is because they think that their possessions bring them happiness. While there is nothing inherently wrong in taking delight in what you own, a problem arises when your happiness is based on it.
Finding your Contentment in Christ
Paul was an apostle of Christ who wrote much of the New Testament. He was beaten, flogged, stoned, imprisoned, shipwrecked, constantly on the move, and in danger wherever he went (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). Yet through all of this, he wrote that he “knew the secret to being content whatever the situation” (Philippians 4:11-13). This secret was that nothing in this world matters apart from loving God and His people. Paul was able to be content because his joy was found in christ alone.
Is your joy found in Christ or the things of this world? Are you content with the blessings God has already given you, or are you constantly looking for the next best thing?
Simplifying life means practicing gratitude
One of the best ways to be content is to practice gratitude. Purposefully being thankful reminds us of what we have, how blessed we are, and that we are not in need.
Paul, in his final remarks to the Thessalonians, reminds them to “rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). It is not enough to only be grateful when life is good. Rather, you must make time to practice gratitude no matter the situation you are facing. Gratitude journals are a great way to keep an account of the things you are thankful for.
Writing down three things you are grateful for every day can help you simplify your life by showing you that you have enough. Practicing gratitude helps usher in contentment and peace as you reflect on the blessings God has given to you.
Rejecting the comparison trap
So often, we compare ourselves to others, thinking that they are better in some area of their life. God knew this would be a problem for all of humanity, and in the 10 commandments, he instructs “you shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor” (Exodus 20:17).
Social media makes it easy to want what others have. Their perfect lives on display for all to see. Reject the comparison trap by finding your identity in Christ, knowing that all blessings come from Him (James 1:17). Whenever you start to feel yourself becoming jealous, take a moment to reflect on if you are content with the blessings God has given you. Take some time to be grateful for what you have.
Simplifying life means focusing on relationships
One of the many reasons people choose to complicate their lives is because they are trying to fill the void that comes from not having meaningful relationships. Whether with God or people, relationships are key for helping you feel connected and valued.
Taking time to sit at Jesus’ feet
When visiting the home of Martha in Luke 10:38-42, Jesus began teaching those present. Martha was busy, distracted by all the preparations that had been made. She was doing the work that needed to be done. But her sister Mary, instead of helping, chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, learning from Him. Martha became frustrated as most of us would. Here she was, dutifully running the household, ensuring that everyone had what they needed, while her sister had the nerve to sit and listen to the great teacher who had come to HER house.
Here, the problem is not that Martha knew things had to be done. It is that she became distracted by work and angry that her sister was not. Martha chose responsibility. Mary chose relationship. Of course, there is always work that needs to be done. But does the work you are doing need to come before you sit at Jesus’ feet and learn from Him? Does your perceived responsibility come before forming relationships with those around you?
Biblical perspectives on relationships
We were not called to life this life alone. From the very beginning, God created man and said “it is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). All throughout the Bible, we see examples of relationships – both good and bad – and we receive instruction about how we are to live in relationship.
Although this is not a post about relationships, it is important to note that one of the reasons for simplifying life is to have time to build and work on relationships. People are important, and making time for relationships in an integral aspect of what Jesus had called us to do.
Prioritizing what matters – simplifying life by focusing on Christ
Often simplifying life is just re-ordering your priorities so that you spend less time and money on what does’t matter and more on what does. Do you know what matters in your life?
Prioritizing prayer and meditation allows for simplifying life
How often do you make time to pray? Talking to God is one of the best ways to simplify life. Priorities in your life start to become clear as you spend time with the creator of the universe. You cannot expect your perspective in life to change unless you spend time with someone who thinks differently than you, and God is the One who you should want to draw close to.
Even Jesus spent dedicated time in prayer, talking to God. Mark 1:35 tells us that He got up very early in the morning, while it was still dark, and went off to a solitary placed where He prayed. What do you think Jesus had to talk so urgently to God about that He would wake up in the wee hours of the morning and go to where there were no distractions?
I think it’s possible that He was just talking to His father about the day. About anything and everything He could think of. Hopes and dreams. Sorrows and pains. Just as Jesus went openly to God, prioritizing time spent with Him, we also should make time to keep God first in our lives.
Focusing on essential spiritual disciplines
One of the key purposes to simplifying life is to make time for what truly matters. Without necessarily meaning to, the early church gave us a great example of what this looked like. Acts 2:42-47 gives us a picture of what should be prioritized.
They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching. For you, this is listening to sermons from your pastor and taking notes, engaging with what he says and testing it against scripture to see if it is true (Acts 17:11). It’s reading your Bible faithfully, not merely listening to what it says, but also applying it to your life (James 1:22-25).
Christians are called to fellowship. For you, this is spending time with other believers, engaging with them and caring about their joys and struggles. It’s confessing your own struggles and sins to them (James 5:16). You are called to be kind and compassionate toward others (Ephesians 4:32).
The early church devoted themselves to breaking bread together. This was more than just sharing a meal, but also sharing in each other’s physical needs. You are called to create time for breaking bread with your fellow believers.
The apostles sold everything they had. They knew that simplifying life would create an atmosphere for deepened relationships with God and fellow believers. Simplifying life was a natural step for focusing on the essential spiritual disciplines that they were learning.
Avoiding religious overload – matthew 11:28-30 – rest in Christ
Part of simplifying life is spending more time growing in relationships and decluttering your house. But part of simplifying life is also knowing when to say “no” to things so that you can truly rest in Christ.
God does not want you to live an overwhelmed life, but an abundant one. A life that bears fruit for all to see (John 15). But the first step you may need to take into that life is resting in God.
Matthew 11:28-30 has a personal invitation from Jesus to you: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Do you need to rest in Jesus today?
Related post: My Soul Finds Rest In God Alone
Setting healthy limits: knowing when to say no
It can be difficult to know when to day “no” to things. But here is a general guideline.
If the things God has called you to are suffering: home, family, devotional time, etc… then it’s time to say no to everything else that causes distractions.
Take a moment to consider your life. Are you prioritizing what needs to be valued, or are you allowing the distractions to dictate your life?
Honoring God with your time and energy
The Levitical Priests were called to give God the best and holiest of everything they had (Numbers 18:29). You have that same instruction for your life. So are you giving God your best? Or do you reserve your leftovers for Him? Start simplifying your life by making God a priority and giving Him the time, energy, and money that is due Him.
Simplifying life – a practical guide
Simplifying life is hard. But these tips and resources will help you in your journey.
Be still and know
Before you begin the process of simplifying your life, take a moment to be still before God (Psalm 46:10). Reflect on the fact that He is God and you are not. His name will be exalted among the nations. If you are unsure of how to be still before God, this post may help.
Trusting in God’s guidance and provision
Perhaps the reason you find it hard to simplify your life and declutter is because you find security in your possessions. Maybe their presence brings you comfort, or you find value in their monetary worth.
Instead of placing your identity in your stuff, place it in Christ. Allow Him to guide you and trust in His provision.
Making room for margin – psalm 23 and restoring our souls
In your overwhelm, you may feel as if there is no time to add rest to your calendar.
Related Post: 13 ways to worry less | Seek First The Kingdom
Intentional living
Part of the reason for simplifying life is learning to live more intentionally. Although this is difficult to master, the more you practice living for what you value, the easier it comes. Try carving out a day a week where you intentionally take time to focus on what matters and let everything else fall to the wayside.
Related Post: Seeking the Sabbath | The Truth About Obeying God’s Commands
Invitation for simplifying your life
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and disconnected in today’s fast-paced world? Now is the time to take a step back and focus on what really matters. Jesus offers you an abundant life filled with hope and peace. Start today by prioritizing time with God and relationships with others. Say “no” to the distractions that pull you away from living life with purpose, and embrace a simpler, more fulfilling life.
Start your journey towards a simpler, more fulfilled life today. Say “yes” to what truly matters and experience the abundant life Jesus promises.
This post was all about simplifying life to live more abundantly in what truly matters.
