What a weird time we are living in! It’s crazy that every day I wake up just to remember that the world is closed and my life is COMPLETELY on pause. Granted, I have the people I live with to love and cherish, but my jobs, my friends, my social life, any traveling, any future planning, or even any possible dating are ALL on hold for the foreseeable future. As a 22-year-old, only a year and a half out of college, 4 months home from a year long mission trip, and barely settled back into society, the world shutting down was NEVER a part of my “plan.” I hardly had a plan to begin with; I’m literally staring the rest of my life in the face debating when/where/what/how to make the first move. But, after a long conversation with a trusted friend about this madness, we came to the conclusion that we can either choose to sit in this season and overthink, wish things were different, get worried or frustrated, want all the things we can’t have, panic about what seems like a nonexistent future (just me being over dramatic), or we can accept this season for what it is: forced — but needed — simplicity. 

There is literally no better time than now to simplify our lives. I was approached to write this article because the last year of my life I lived out of a 60-liter backpack as a sojourner (fancy word for homeless person on a mission). However, I think that there is so much more to simplifying than not having a ton of possessions. Simplification can exist in material things but also in emotions, ways of thinking, dealing, and speaking, and in almost any aspect of your life. It can also be used as a tool to bring you strength and power while releasing control. Mostly, it gives you a sense of focus on those things that are actually important. It just means that everything in your life has an understandable reason and purpose, and that you cut out all the extras that are unnecessary. You focus on the aspects of life that matter most and cut out the excess. Simplicity at its roots means “to be easy to understand, easy to do, plain, and/or natural.” Obviously right now life seems pretty simple for a lot of us. We don’t have jobs, have nowhere to go since everything is closed, don’t see people as often, and are constantly looking for things to fill our days. Some people are working essential jobs (THANK YOU), yet after work are coming home to sanitize and stay home because, again, the world is basically closed. However, what if we could take what this “quarantine” is forcing us to do and actually apply all of the good aspects to our everyday lives after it’s over? I’m not blind to the fact that there is a virus and people are getting really sick, sometimes fatally, and this isn’t by any means a fun time. But what if this big pause in our lives isn’t what we should be praying away? What if God has created a space for us to focus, strip back down to the roots of it all, and simply center back on Him? What if simplicity is what we have been missing? 

So the big question: how do we simplify? No, you don’t need to sell all of your possessions, move, give your money away, and spend all of your life in a war room in prayer. I think the best way we can learn to simplify is to examine the person who lived the simplest life, yet left the largest impact on the world to this day: none other than my main man, Jesus. By reading through the Gospels (and some other scriptures), we can learn from Jesus’ ways and words just what it means to live simply yet abundantly! Here are a few practical ways we can start to simplify our crazy lives to look more like Jesus:

1. Simplify your POSSESSIONS: Remember your treasure is HEAVEN, not in possessions here on earth! No need for clutter if it interferes with your relationship with God.

• Related verses: Matthew 6:19-21, 24-27, Matthew 19:23-24, Mark 8:36, Mark 4:19, Luke 12:13-21, Luke 21:1-4, Luke 6:38, Luke 12:33
• How to SIMPLIFY: Jesus warns us over and over that when we have a love for money and possessions it can severely hinder our relationship with God. He isn’t asking us to own absolutely nothing, but rather warning us not to overvalue the things we do own. A great way to simplify is to remember that none of our possessions are eternal. Clothing wears down, fashion tastes change, cars break down, electronics change; however, God, heaven, and loving others are things that are meaningful and lasting. Try to simplify by keeping things that really bring you joy or have a purpose in your life. Keep your wardrobe minimal so you can always mix and match, keep your space clutter-free so you can focus (maybe add a few knick-knacks), and don’t be afraid to detach from possessions! Things come and go, and THAT’S OKAY! I can’t count how many times I had to remind myself this when “Bag Day” came around (our monthly day for getting rid of things so we could get on the airplane underweight). Every time I told myself that whatever I had to shed was replaceable, just a thing, and not really all that important. It’s hard but so worth it to keep your focus more steadily on God. 

2. Simplify your RESOURCES: With what you have, give generously...and don’t worry if people know.

• Related verses: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Matthew 6:1-4
• How to SIMPLIFY: Another way that keeps us in line with living simply is by thinking of others over ourselves. We as servants are called to be good stewards with all we have. We are also called to be generous. I think this particular point can be just as much simplification for us mentally as it can be literally. If you live life with a generous mindset, you will simplify your purchases, your routines, and your busy schedule because your first thought will be to allow space, time, and money for others just as much as for yourself. My life back in America has felt hectic and busy at times, yet I had MORE to do when I was a missionary. However, my life then was full of giving, serving, and spending time with others. So, even with a daily routine and a lot to accomplish at times, life was simple and beautiful. I felt so at peace.

3. Simplify your ACTIONS: Who you are is shown more by what you do than what you say. Serve humbly, excellently, and go the extra mile! 

• Related verses: Matthew 7:17-20, Matthew 23: 11-12, Matthew 5:40-42, Matthew 7:1-2, 12, Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 8:21-22
• How to SIMPLIFY: This one ties in a bit with the last. Giving can mean financially, while it can also mean giving of your time, energy, and skills. A lot of people would say this is also serving. I think servanthood is a heart posture and mindset, though, more than just a task. It is how you do what you do that will determine who you are inside. Anyone can say they love to serve, but not everyone truly shows that. As I said earlier, simplifying our lives means cutting out the things we don’t need so that we can live more abundantly. Start by cutting out our negative thoughts and comments, complaining, stalling to accomplish tasks, dwelling in anger/frustrations, and other unhelpful behaviors. Give people grace, be kind and forgive. Slowly you’ll see your mind change from “I really don’t want to do this, it’s just adding more to my plate” to “how can I serve you more?” Jesus tells us we should be doing twice as much as we are asked anyway! One big change that helped me accomplish this was switching “you’re welcome” to “it’s my joy.” A friend once blew my mind by stating when you truly love people, serving is your joy, not a task you had to accomplish that they should be thanking you for. Another way to simplify in this manner is by cutting down on time spent on things that aren’t really important. Spend less time working (once you’ve gotten home), on your phone, or alone, and spend more time with friends and family doing things that enhance your quality of life! People will notice where you place your importance, and you will notice a huge lift in spirits from cutting out that which is negative!

4. Simplify your SPEECH and THINKING: Be truthful, direct, kind, and careful with your words. Be clear, deliberate, and know what you want.

• Related verses: Matthew 5:37, Matthew 12:37, Matthew 7:7-8
• How to SIMPLIFY: This one isn’t always thought of when people try to simplify their lives. It’s also not my greatest strong suit. I am a woman of many words; I tend to be a verbal processor. It just takes me more words than average to get out what I’m trying to say. However, Jesus shows us just how we should speak. Not only does He tell us to be careful, direct, honest etc., but He is very plain and deliberate in His own speech. Jesus says what He means, He speaks in parables so that everyone can understand, He doesn’t overspeak, and He puts meaning in every word. I’ve always wished this one would come easier to me. Some of the best communicators I know are the best not because of how many words they say, but because they can convey their message simply, swiftly, and in a manner that makes people feel uplifted and encouraged. Usually, these people tend to be confident in knowing what they want, or their “why” in life. The best way to simplify your speech is to start in your mind. We first need to know what motivates us. What is our purpose? What are our wants, needs, and goals? What do we care about? If our minds are cleared of clutter and focused on what really matters, our language should reflect that. Then we can think through our words and be wiser with what we say. If we don’t know our “why,” our language will also be wishy-washy and not concise.

5. Simplify your EMOTIONS and DECISIONS: When you are confronted with emotion, draw away and spend time alone and in prayer.

• Related verses: Matthew 14:12, Matthew 14:23
• How to SIMPLIFY: Jesus spent much of His time in prayer. Granted, He was God, but He also took time as a man on earth to form a deep connection with God. He took everything to God in prayer and taught us to do so as well. I love the idea of simplifying our emotions because this is something all of us could use some help in. Some of us feel so much, so strongly that we have no idea what to do with it. Some of us don’t have many emotional reactions and instead try to think our way through situations. However, we ALL could benefit from including God in our highs and lows. For those feelers out there, give those feelings to God. You know, I used to think prayer was only to ask God for things. But did you know God is a great listener and He WANTS to be included? He cares about the things we are feeling and going through. He’ll also be the best advice giver you will encounter. For those thinkers out there, include God in your thought process. You’ll surely have a better turnout with Him than without Him. Simplify by cutting out gossip and not sharing everything with everyone. Your heart should be guarded, not open for hurting. God is a great place to turn with every single thought and feeling we have. 

6. Simplify your PATH: You are YOU. Remember: you can’t please everyone. (And take that road less traveled by!)

• Related verses: Matthew 10:14, Matthew 13:54-55, Matthew 7:13-14
• How to SIMPLIFY: “Love God and do as you please.” We weren’t all made to be the same person and do the same thing. Every one of us brings a new passion, a new dream, a new color to the canvas. We are supposed to follow God in our lives, not the crowd. We are supposed to please the Lord (which will in turn please ourselves), not everyone else. We aren’t living for the world but living in the world for God. We have a bigger purpose to accomplish than worrying about everyone else. This kind of ties into “know what you want” because God will be there to provide and guide. Simplify by remembering who you are at your core, whose you are, and your worth and purpose. Cut out thoughts of who you should be or what you should be doing and instead live FREELY in who you are, what you are accomplishing, and what you were made to do. Life is so much simpler when you’re living just for one instead of trying to satisfy the world. 

There are many great examples Jesus set in His life. I think the simplicity of His life, words, and actions are some of the best. Yes, He was God, He made miracles, He was resurrected, but all of this was made possible because He lived a simplified life and was ready for anything God had for Him. He wasn’t tied to possessions and things, He gave freely, He spent His time serving and teaching, He spoke clearly and directly, He knew His purpose, He sought wisdom from the Father in prayer, and He never cared what people thought of Him. He wanted to bring people to the Father, He didn’t care what the Pharisees had to say. He sought out the lost and lowly. He traveled to bring the Kingdom wherever He went. He spent time with those He loved and invested in things that truly hold meaning. Jesus may have been God and may have done some crazy things, but He led a simple life. We could all stand to be a little more like Jesus. And I really think this quarantine is proving we could all stand to be a little slower, more engaged, and simplified. 

I want to recognize that simplifying is a process. You can’t just master it overnight, and there will be times where you will have to refocus. Simplicity is a choice, therefore it takes effort to sustain. So, I may not have it all down every second of every day, but I do know what it takes, how great it makes me feel, and just how worth it living simplified can be. That motivates me to continue to live a simple life today and tomorrow. I started with simplifying my wardrobe to the basics with the occasional colorful piece to make me happy. Then I let go of all of the clutter: books I’ve read (or haven’t), knick-knacks, shoes, cups, etc., and slowly removed more things until I didn’t have too much to distract me, but still had so many people to love! I prioritize, I spend time daily trying to center myself. I still have times where I remind myself what is truly important. Then, I let go.

Simplicity is so worth it because when you remove all the clutter, only the important remains. When you have less taking up space, you will be able to surrender fully to the Lord! You will then be able to step into a life of abundance! You’ll be free to go and do whatever God asks because you aren’t tied down! You’ll be living the way you intended to. At first, simplifying may feel frustrating, painful, and daunting. Just remember, pruning hurts but it's worth it for healthy growth (John 15:2). As you let go of things, you may start to worry if you’re making the right choice. How do I give if I don’t have an income? How do I let go if I don’t know when I’ll need it? Don’t worry about your needs, God will provide; just focus on what God has called you to do today (Matthew 6:25-27, 30-34). At the end of the day, everything we do is about LOVE: loving God and loving others as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). Anything that makes this more difficult is unnecessary. Anything that distances you from a great relationship with God, those you love, and those around you that God loves, is probably not worth it. Step into the freedom of simplicity and start living your life in reckless abandon!

APPLICATION: Starting with one thing every day, what can you change, remove, or modify to simplify your life?