Minimalist Christianity

“I am learning that a man can live profoundly without masses of things.”

I don’t really own too much.

I’ve tried to have a rule since my college days, that if I own more than what I can fit in my car, then I own too much. I think minimalism is becoming a thing, or it has already become a thing, but I’m not sure that I’d fit under that category of being “minimalist”.

I guess i’d say its more about living…

… simply, intentionally, and thoughtfully… than it is about living minimally.

I always wondered why Jesus went to the extreme with his disciples telling them…

“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—  no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff…” (Matthew 10:9-10)

I think there were many reason’s he said this, I think that with nothing, they’d have to depend on Him as opposed to their possessions, with nothing they’d be able to travel faster, with nothing they’d have far less things to worry about…

Though this wasn’t the first or the last time Jesus would say something like this, Jesus tells large crowds of people traveling alongside Him, that those who wish to be his disciple, must give up everything they have… (Luke 14:33) otherwise they cannot follow Him. Soon thereafter, he tells the rich young ruler, to sell everything he has… (Matt 19:16-22)

Jesus goes to war on materialism.

He says: “Take heed, and beware of all covetousness; for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)

“Sell your possessions, and give alms; provide yourselves with purses that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail…” (Luke 12:33)

“Give to everyone who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again.” (Luke 6:30)

He knew that we cannot serve two masters (Luke 16:13)

He knew that “simplicity is freedom, while duplicity is bondage.”

He knew that the thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy…

I think this might sound a bit dramatic – but our culture has made us crazy.  We have such an attachment to things and possessions that we’re currently in 2.4 TRILLION dollars worth of consumer debt. We crave things, like cars, food, and technology that we don’t need. We’re made to feel embarrassed or ashamed by wearing something that is “so last year”… But it’s not seen as crazy, because it’s become the norm.

and to feed our vulnerability, and to temporally appease our insecurity, we cope and medicate with debt, consumerism, and over spending… I don’t think it’s too dramatic to say materialism is a problem here.

“We buy things we don’t want to impress people do not like.” – Arthur G. Gish (or fight club, that one TedTalk, or Dave Ramsey – I don’t know who said it first, either way…)

So what’s the answer?

I think it start’s with realizing that we are the Rich Young Ruler’s of today.

I think if our Church at large were to ask Jesus, what then shall we do to inherit life, many of us would not like His response… and would walk away sadly.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – Jesus (John 10:10)