Satisfied with simplicity and the ordinary

[Hearingheart]

What wrong with being average and content to live a simple life?

Average and common aren't words we usually use to describe each other because our culture has delegated that we strive for more than that and not be satisfied until we reach extraordinary and exceptional. It's a do more, be more and obtain more culture we live in and the church seems to mix easily into the worlds view.

It's actually quite a feat to live a simple life and not get sucked into consumerism and commercialism of our age.

I have no desire to be famous or for people to know who I am. I don't want awards or recognition for a job well done. I'm not in a competition with anyone else.

Well, just thought about this tonight. No special reason. A simple life calls to me.

 

[Tolworth John]

Farewell, I've enjoyed reading your posts.
Hopefully you'll be able to sell or find good homes for your it kit. ditto your car.
Cycling will enable you to keep fit and get around. Your spare time freed from watching tv or being on the internet can be used in food preparation, peeling potatoes etc, and slow cooking those cheap cuts of meat.

Yes the hard work of a simple life style, monotous diet and abcence of simple luxuries.

You're a braver man then me, the wife would kill me If I sugested it.

 

[longwait]

What wrong with being average and content to live a simple life?

Average and common aren't words we usually use to describe each other because our culture has delegated that we strive for more than that and not be satisfied until we reach extraordinary and exceptional. It's a do more, be more and obtain more culture we live in and the church seems to mix easily into the worlds view.

It's actually quite a feat to live a simple life and not get sucked into consumerism and commercialism of our age.

I have no desire to be famous or for people to know who I am. I don't want awards or recognition for a job well done. I'm not in a competition with anyone else.

Well, just thought about this tonight. No special reason. A simple life calls to me.

Then I say that you are smart. That's the right attitude to have.

 

[Hearingheart]

Thank you, it's kind of you to say so.

I would love to know if there are other Christians out there who look at life the same way. As far as lifestyle, I relate more to old hippies and the "spiritual" people.

I wonder if there is connection to spiritual immaturity and a lifestyle that reflects consuming and busyness.

 

[FenderTL5]

What wrong with being average and content to live a simple life?

Average and common aren't words we usually use to describe each other because our culture has delegated that we strive for more than that and not be satisfied until we reach extraordinary and exceptional. It's a do more, be more and obtain more culture we live in and the church seems to mix easily into the worlds view.

It's actually quite a feat to live a simple life and not get sucked into consumerism and commercialism of our age.

I have no desire to be famous or for people to know who I am. I don't want awards or recognition for a job well done. I'm not in a competition with anyone else.

Well, just thought about this tonight. No special reason. A simple life calls to me.

You may find this article interesting: Christ's Rabble
"IT IS UNDENIABLY true that there are texts that condemn an idolatrous obsession with wealth, and that might be taken as saying nothing more than that.. ..But if this were all the New Testament had to say on the matter.."
It's a thought provoking read whether you agree with it or not.

 

[Hearingheart]

You may find this article interesting: Christ's Rabble
"IT IS UNDENIABLY true that there are texts that condemn an idolatrous obsession with wealth, and that might be taken as saying nothing more than that.. ..But if this were all the New Testament had to say on the matter.."
It's a thought provoking read whether you agree with it or not.

Read the article....very interesting.

It's true the NT community of believers were communal (I wouldn't go as far as to call it communism in the political sense), an intentional community if you may and I like that aspect of it.

I too, wonder if what we see at Christianity today even remotely reflects what the early NT church was like.

 

[FenderTL5]

Read the article....very interesting.

It's true the NT community of believers were communal (I wouldn't go as far as to call it communism in the political sense), an intentional community if you may and I like that aspect of it.

I too, wonder if what we see at Christianity today even remotely reflects what the early NT church was like.

I tend to think it goes beyond the communal or any political iteration of that. We could have a correct or incorrect attitude toward possessions living on our own.

It is told of Saint Macarius the Great of Egypt, concerning his unusual humility;
One time he returned to his home and caught a thief loading his things on a donkey standing near the cell (living quarters within a monastic community). Without revealing that he was the owner of these things, the monk began to help tie up the load. When the the thief tried to leave, the donkey refused to move.
Saint Macarius went back into the cell and saw a basket left behind in the corner. He brought it outside and loaded it saying, "the donkey has need of the basket."

Having removed himself from the world, the monk told himself, “We bring nothing at all into this world; clearly, it is not possible to take anything out from it. Blessed be the Lord for all things!”

Is this extreme? certainly. However, I do tend to think there's a valuable lesson in the story.

 

[Hearingheart]

I tend to think it goes beyond the communal or any political iteration of that. We could have a correct or incorrect attitude toward possessions living on our own.

It is told of Saint Macarius the Great of Egypt, concerning his unusual humility;
One time he returned to his home and caught a thief loading his things on a donkey standing near the cell (living quarters within a monastic community). Without revealing that he was the owner of these things, the monk began to help tie up the load. When the the thief tried to leave, the donkey refused to move.
Saint Macarius went back into the cell and saw a basket left behind in the corner. He brought it outside and loaded it saying, "the donkey has need of the basket."

Having removed himself from the world, the monk told himself, “We bring nothing at all into this world; clearly, it is not possible to take anything out from it. Blessed be the Lord for all things!”

Is this extreme? certainly. However, I do tend to think there's a valuable lesson in the story.

I love that story! Gave me a laugh and then there was the "hmmmm" moment of deep thought. Thank you.

 

[RaymondG]

I have no desire to be famous or for people to know who I am. I don't want awards or recognition for a job well done. I'm not in a competition with anyone else.

How does this make you feel about yourself and your relationship to God? What does it make you feel when you see others living the opposite life with opposite feelings as the ones you ascribed to yourself?

 

[Shempster]

Once I got free from the control of the ego, I began to live a simpler life and am loving every minute of it.
I have no followers in any sense. A few friends, but mostly mind my own business and stay close to family. I had an avenue when I was younger to be famous....at least locally but I put it down.

I sometimes get this feeling I should share with people, but any time I do I get hassled because what I said doesn't line up with their religious ideas. I just let it go now but still rarely share.
I try to ignore the social disasters going on in society and I feel blessed by it. If you avoid the news and media you will save yourself alot of unneeded stress and worry.

 

[Hearingheart]

Farewell, I've enjoyed reading your posts.
Hopefully you'll be able to sell or find good homes for your it kit. ditto your car.
Cycling will enable you to keep fit and get around. Your spare time freed from watching tv or being on the internet can be used in food preparation, peeling potatoes etc, and slow cooking those cheap cuts of meat.

Yes the hard work of a simple life style, monotous diet and abcence of simple luxuries.

You're a braver man then me, the wife would kill me If I sugested it.

So simplicity to you is pioneer life.....haha, that made me laugh. No, my husband wouldn't let me go that far.

 

[W2L]

Covetousness is a root for all kinds of evil, in my opinion. Paul said we should be content with food and clothing.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”[a] 6 So we may boldly say:

“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?”

1 Timothy 6:6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain[c] we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

 

[Hearingheart]

How does this make you feel about yourself and your relationship to God? What does it make you feel when you see others living the opposite life with opposite feelings as the ones you ascribed to yourself?

I'm quite happy and my relationship with God continues to grow and blossom.

My general feeling is that people are free do live as they want. In life, I've had the opportunity to ministry to other Christians who were struggling to grow but their unwillingness to let go of walking in the world hampered them, so I guess it's sadness when it seems to be a stumbling block for other Christians.

 

[Hearingheart]

And it's not just about stuff, owning and getting.....it's also about how we use our time. Moderation but also mindfulness.

 

[Hearingheart]

We have been blessed with some great neighbors (and others no so great, but that's another thread) and made a decision to share some big items and use them together. So far so good. We also barter.

We share a tractor for the garden and clearing brush, share a chainsaw, hand tools and lawnmower and we all use the same garden. Many hands make light work and it really cuts down on financial stress.

My daughter lives in an apartment on our property and used my washer and dryer, oven and I use her blender.

If I want new plants I dig up some of mine and find someone to trade with.I use unpasturized milk for some things, so I trade my sewing and music skills for that.

The mindset is "do I really need this and how important is it in the grand scheme of things"

 

[noam burde]

What wrong with being average and content to live a simple life?

Average and common aren't words we usually use to describe each other because our culture has delegated that we strive for more than that and not be satisfied until we reach extraordinary and exceptional. It's a do more, be more and obtain more culture we live in and the church seems to mix easily into the worlds view.

It's actually quite a feat to live a simple life and not get sucked into consumerism and commercialism of our age.

I have no desire to be famous or for people to know who I am. I don't want awards or recognition for a job well done. I'm not in a competition with anyone else.

Well, just thought about this tonight. No special reason. A simple life calls to me.

Matthew 6:19-20:
"19“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."