SIMPLICITY, FRUGALITY, SACRIFICE & SECRECY

SIMPLICITY

Painting the PictureFor many of us, if we are honest, we often overextend and over commit ourselves. We have a hand in many different areas at the same time. Consider these descriptions and see if they apply to you: We are in almost every ministry at church because

we feel we know how to do it all; we believe that this proves our level of commitment; or we believe that everyone will look up to us and think we are very committed

We decide to further our studies so that we can be in the group with a certain level of education

Always desiring to climb the corporate ladder; to be awarded the accolades – this is what we work towards; this is our goal

We work for the applause and favour of men

Definition of SimplicityIf the previous description describes you, then the practice of Simplicity is one spiritual discipline that can help you reorder your life. The statements below help to give a definition of Simplicity:In simplicity I do less; I shed some of the activitiesIt is the arrangement of my life around a few

simple purposesAbstaining from saying “yes” to too many things

and from over packed schedules so I can keep the main thing the main thing

I give up competing purposes and personal accomplishments that I think complete me.

I detach from dependence upon much activity and attach to the one needed thing.

Scriptures on Simplicity

There are a number of verses in Scripture which speak to the principle of simplicity. Take the following for example. What principles of Simplicity can be seen in these verses?Philippians 3:13Matthew 6:33Luke 10:38-42

Practical Steps to Simplicity - Luke 10:38-42Trust that God cares (v. 40)Recognize what distracts me (v. 40)Sit at the Lord’s feet and listen to what He says

(v. 39)Recognize the many things that I am worried

and upset about (v. 41)Keep the main thing the main thing (v.42)

Find your niche (SHAPE – Spiritual gifts, Heart; Abilities; Personality; Experience)

Know what your personal mission isLearn to say “No”Accept the consequences of saying no

FRUGALITY

Painting the PictureThe spiritual discipline of Frugality is another discipline that as believers we will find very useful; especially in today’s society and culture where physical possession is held in such high regard, even among the church. The description below of the situation as it presently exists for many believers helps us to appreciate the need for this discipline.

Persons have a negative net worth - you may have a lot but you owe a lot too

We have multiple credit cards and constantly buy on credit – clothes, furniture, appliances, car, vacation, etc.

We buy multiple of everything and of course bigger is better – bigger house, bigger TV, bigger car

We buy the latest gadget even when it is not needed or we will never use the features

Painting the Picture Cont’dIt’s all about keeping up with the Jones’The more money we have the more we

accumulateRobert Kiyosaki author of the book “Rich Dad,

Poor Dad” says, “It is perfectly normal to desire something better, prettier, more fun or exciting. So people…work for money because of desires. They desire money for the joy they think it can buy. But the joy that money brings is often short lived, and they soon need more money for more joy, more pleasure, more comfort, more security. So they keep working thinking money will soothe their souls that are troubled by fear and desire. But money cannot do that.”

Definition of FrugalitySo what is frugality. Robert Kellemen describes it

as the following:Enjoying without clutchingAbstaining from using money or goods at our

disposal in ways that merely gratify our desires or our hunger for status, glamour, luxury or worldly contentment

Avoidance of frivolous consumption: the love of money, the love of things – idolatry of possessions

Giving up things that possess meDetaching from dependence upon things and

attaching to the Kingdom of God

Definition of Frugality Cont’dRichard Foster gives this warning when it

comes to frugality:Be careful to find a balance – not the

“mammon spirit” but not asceticism eitherFoster, p. 84-85

Scriptures on FrugalityTake the time to review the passages below. What are some of the principles that can be taken from these passages and how can you practically apply it to your life?

Matthew 6:19-341 Timothy 6:17-19James 1:9-10Matthew 13:22Luke 18:22Luke 16:13Philippians 4:12

Practical Steps to Frugality – Fosters 10 SuggestionsThe inward reality must be accompanied by the

outward realityBuy things for their usefulness rather than their statusReject anything that is producing an addiction in youDevelop a habit of giving things away – de-accumulateRefuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern

gadgetryLearn to enjoy things without owning themDevelop a deeper appreciation for the creationLook with a healthy skepticism at all “buy now, pay later”

schemesObey Jesus’ instruction about plain, honest speech…avoid

flattery and half-truthsReject anything that breeds the oppression of othersShun anything that distracts you from seeking first the Kingdom

of GodFoster, Richard, 1998, Celebration of Discipline: A Path to Spiritual Growth, Harper San Francisco

Benefits of FrugalityReorients our lives so that possessions can be

genuinely enjoyed without destroying us.Sets us free to receive God’s provision as a gift

that is not ours to keep and can be freely shared

Provides spiritual perspective.Challenges our vested interest in an affluent

lifestyle.Produces a joyful unconcern about things

because of a steady trust in God’s generosity.Promotes freedom from anxiety because what

we have is from God as a gift that he cares for and that is available to others.

Kellemen, Robert, 2003, Personal Counselling and Discipleship-Class, Capital Bible Seminary, MD Notes

SACRIFICE

Definition of SacrificeThe discipline of Sacrifice is another discipline that is integral to the life of any believer, as it was the hallmark of the life of Christ.

In the discipline of sacrifice, we abstain from the possession or enjoyment of what is necessary for our living – not as in frugality, from what is really to some degree superfluous anyway (Dallas Willard, 1988, The Spirit of the Disciplines, 174)

Forsaking the security of meeting our needs with what is in our hands

The Purpose of SacrificeTake the time to examine these verses in order to get a better understanding of the purposes of this discipline.

To trust God – Luke 21:2-4; Hebrew 11:17-19

To love others – John 3:16To subdue the flesh – 1 Corinthians 9

The Practice of SacrificeHere are some practical ways in which we can practice the discipline of Sacrifice on a daily basis.

Give time that you don’t haveGive money that you can’t do withoutFeed your enemyRelease yourself to God by prayingGiving up your rights

SECRECY

Definition of SecrecyIn the discipline of secrecy we abstain

from causing our good deeds and qualities to be known

Hidden serviceIn the practice of secrecy we experience

a continuing relationship with God independent of the opinions of others

Living for an audience of onePlacing our public relations department

entirely in the hands of God

The Purpose of SecrecyOvercoming approval addictions

To help us lose or tame our hunger for fame, justification, approval, or the mere attention of others

I need you to think highly of me

Teaches us love and humility before God and others

Seeing others in the best possible lightEven hoping that they do better than us

To increase our faith in GodTrusting God to work on our behalf without saying

anything to anyone

The Practice of SecrecyHolding our tongue – neither defending nor

braggingGiving anonymouslyServing behind the scenes when no one

seesGiving credit to othersPraying and fasting for others

This week we took a brief look at four disciplines. It may all seem

overwhelming or maybe there are some issues that you have not really grasped. A forum is available for any questions you may have or comments you may want to make on any of these four

disciplines.

Let’s Talk