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“And day after day they regularly assembled in the temple with united purpose, and in their homes, they broke bread [including the Lord's Supper]. They partook of their food with gladness and simplicity and generous hearts,”Acts 2:46
“Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation], And by knowledge shall its chambers [of every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3-4
This is just my humble opinion: regardless of introversion or extroversion, our life should always counterbalance between times of serving others and cultivating your hearts. For me, that means the purpose of my living room is two-fold.
- To serve others by fostering an open, warm, comfy, inviting, and conversational space.
- To cultivate a peaceful environment where I can rest
For families and people living with others, it is essential to note that you have to work this out together. You will never be successful in forcing someone to live a simple life. Just do the best that you can, with what you have, where you are.
“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
Your homework this week is to plan the purpose of your living room or living space and then minimize items that don't fit that purpose. Every day this week, clean up, reset to zero, and find something out of place, ask does this serve its purpose? If not, let it go. Joshua Becker says, ”owning less is better than organizing more.” Spend at least one hour this week going through your living spaces. Donate, sell, recycle, or throw away what is in the way. Here's a step by step plan:
Put stuff away that doesn't belong, a home for everything, and everything in its home.
Clear off flat surfaces; these places are clutter magnets.
Get rid of stuff you don't use, like that collection of weird books or VHS or empty DVD boxes.
Make the unseen seen, do things tend to collect in a box or under the couch? Bring out everything.
Lastly, do you need all that furniture? Are there statement or storage pieces you're keeping, does anyone actually ever sit in that chair?
Write out the purpose, take some pictures before and after and share them.
Remember, simple living isn't selfish living. As we simplify, we allow ourselves more time and space to serve others and become a nonanxious presence that's closely connected to your values and closer to God. Once we clear all the clutter, the lack of distractions helps us to focus on what really matters most.
For additional study and resources check out:
Freedom of Simplicity by Richard Foster
Bridgetown’s series on Simplicity
The More of Less by Joshua Becker
The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker
Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver
Please leave a prayer or voicemail here, you can also email me: zacheway@gmail.com
