Simplify

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

Isn’t the sunshine so motivating? It provides the perfect time to refresh and reset before Winter rolls around again; When our tendancy is to desire more hibernation. Simplifying is a great way to find some rest and peace in any season. This involves clearing out any clutter and reviving a stale environment.

While I was working and attending college I wasn’t able to spend a great deal of time keeping up the house. When I finally finished my practicum I went back to work 3 days a week. With my free time, my first goal was to do some deep cleaning. Then my focus turned to refreshing my environment.

I came across this gal on YouTube who shares her tips for an organized and clean home. One of the things she stresses is that purging your home must come first. It’s difficult to organize and beautify anything when there is simply too much stuff. Purging involves eliminating items that aren’t being used. Of course sentimental items have their place, and for these items she suggests each person in the household have a memory box. She also mentions that unfinished projects count as clutter as well. Simply finishing something can declutter and simplify your home.

When I look at decluttering and simplifying (in light of a life of faith in Christ) two things immediately come to mind:

1. Throwing off everything that hinders Us

In the Book of Hebrews we’re encouraged to remember the examples of those who lived by faith, taking steps of obedience and trusting God with the outcome.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV)

What hinders or even entangles us may require some individual reflection. What are we prioritizing over God? Or what holds us in a place of unbelief, not trusting Him to do the things He says He will do?

2. Simplifying the Directive

Scripture is full of do’s and don’ts. So much so that it’s easy to feel as if we’re hopelessly and constantly in a state of falling short of the glory of God. However, when asked, Jesus streamlined the directives into two simple commands to love; Love God and love others. By doing so we follow Jesus way and give Him charge over our lives and hearts.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Don’t Forget that Perfection is God’s Domain

Jesus is the one who cleanses our hearts and minds. He’s also the one who refreshes, revives and makes us new. It’s not the other way around. We can’t make ourselves pure in order to be worthy of Him. Why it doesn’t work this way is because He took our place on the cross. (The penalty for our sins.) He bore our sin and took our shame. He already simplified things for us. Wasn’t that so kind?

When we live our lives in Jesus we give Him the clutter and allow Him to make all things new, refreshing a stale environment. Or rather, that stagnant and distant relationship with Him.