I would think that people interpret the term “minimalist living” in various ways. It’s always something that’s attracted me.
In various religions, you hear of people leaving lavish lifestyles to pursue simplicity and spiritual priorities. An example is Francis of Assisi.
I tend to like to keep things simple. Yet, if people didn’t nudge me out of my little shell, maybe I’d find life too dull. And generally speaking, if everyone down through history cherished minimalist living, what would the world be like? Maybe it depends on how we interpret minimalist living. If everyone buried their talents in the sand, where would we be? Matthew 25:14-30
Everyone’s different. In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul compared the church to the human body, where different parts have different functions. You wouldn’t want a body to be made of nothing but hands or eyes. And you have parts of the body that you hardly notice, yet they serve a very vital function. And it’s similar with society at large. I’m by no means an entrepreneurial type, but who’d create jobs if everyone was like me. I shudder to think of what Ireland would be like 😀.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,”
So what are the biggest benefits of minimalist living? I need to have a peep at Microsoft Co-pilot, but I’ll still think it through for myself.
Intentional choices — focusing on what truly matters and letting go of the rest.
From a Christian perspective, our relationship with God is what truly matters. The following Bible verse is quite puzzling in some respects. If you were totally passive, would God just step in and make sure that you were OK?
I tend to think that Jesus was advising people not to be over-anxious. The Bible does emphasize wisdom and hard work. Jesus mentioned how God provides for the birds of the air, who neither sow nor reap. Yet, the birds don’t just sit around waiting to be fed. They search for food, but they don’t spend as much time as we do worrying.
Jesus wasn’t trying to start a hippie community. He was simply asking people to get their priorities right. And I can see the wisdom of the verse when I think of all the time that I’ve spent worrying about nothing.
Matthew 6:31-32
31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Owning fewer possessions — keeping only items that serve a purpose or bring joy.
I think of all my old computers and other broken equipment that I stored in the attic, thinking that I’d get them going again sometime. I tried and failed last year. I should have dumped them all whenever I replaced them. But that’s a trivial thing. People can get a little obsessed with gathering possessions as the key to happiness. It’s much better to work towards being content in any circumstance.
Luke 12:15
15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Philippians 4:11-12 (The Apostle Paul writing)
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
Reducing mental and digital clutter
I’ve never been obsessed with social media, so maybe I don’t understand digital clutter. I certainly understand mental clutter. It can creep up on you subtly. When I first looked into mindfulness, it seemed strange focusing on your breath or scanning your body. But it’s about taking control of your mind rather than letting all the clutter control you. And I see such practice as part of God’s common grace. He equips us to learn to deal with stress and to share our ideas with others. Christians sometimes get a little suspicious about mindfulness because it’s not in the Bible. But many human developments that do us good aren’t mentioned in the Bible. God equips us to discover things for ourselves that are helpful towards our physical and mental health, relationships, finances, careers and so on.
Long before I discovered mindfulness, playing musical instruments had a similar effect on me. Focusing on something simple and repetitious help you to relax and declutter your mind. But the benefit of mindfulness is that you can do it anywhere and at any time. I sometimes do it if I wake in the middle of the night. And it’s also a great help to bring things to God and to leave things with Him. I don’t think that we should think of that as the only way to deal with anxiety, but it helps, and more importantly, it helps our spiritual lives:
Philippians 4:4-7
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Creating space for meaning — freeing time, money, and energy for relationships, experiences, and personal growth
I don’t know how this fits into minimalism. It’s more about prioritizing relationships, experiences, and personal growth. Some might be happy to minimize these 😀.
I think of the song “Rock&Roll, I Gave You All the Best Years of my Life. Yet, he probably enjoyed playing music, but we can get a little obsessed with silly ambitions.
I personally want to create space for God in my life and for others who love God and encourage me in my faith. And through all that, I’ve had wonderful experiences and grow spiritually.
Hibernia Gospel 