Simplicity as a Spiritual Discipline

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46

How are you called to practice simplicity?

Not so simple.  For years I have been both enticed and haunted by the directive to SIMPLIFY. Like most people I believed to simplify involved an action such as de-cluttering your home and schedule. I wrestled with it. After many failed attempts to simplify my life, I often cried out to God, “How do I simplify?” I would get glimpses of it. I wanted it so bad I could almost taste it, but I just could not apprehend it.

I could not figure it out because I was going about it all wrong. I was focused on simplify and not simplicity. Simplify is something we must do. On the other hand, simplicity, the Lord revealed is something we must be. The discipline of simplicity starts with the very basics of our faith. It is as fundamental as the Lord’s command in Psalm 46 to “Be still and know that I am God.”

Jesus says in John 4:34 “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.” Food is nourishment. Nourishment provides one with what is necessary for growth, health and good condition. Doing the will of the Father feeds the soul. Jesus spent His incarnation fixed on this. He did not overthink details. He did not worry Himself with what others thought. He simply focused on the Father, sought Him, and did what He said. How simple is that?

The reality of simplicity is this: it is not something that you can just do. It is something you will become in time by practicing the other spiritual disciplines. When we spend time in solitude, prayer, fasting, meditation, study, submission and service, by His Spirit we will learn how to be still and let Him nourish us, so we may be able to discern His voice and do the work He has for each of us. Only then will we be able to achieve simplicity, which is to achieve our own spiritual purpose.

Study as a Spiritual Discipline

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

When you hear the word “study” what do you think? “I have to study for a test,” is the first thing that pops into my head. Others will say “study” means to observe something, as in looking at an amoeba under a microscope, or to learn something new by reading a book or article.

No matter what type of study comes to mind, it is a deliberate action. We are studying on purpose. There is a difference though between just reading a book and studying: reading is broad, and study is deep. When we study we are focused, dedicated to finding out what we don’t know, and how we can apply it to our lives.

When I study the Bible and other scripture-based, topical books such as books on prayer, names of God, etc. I come away knowing more about how to live as a follower of Jesus. Through my study and understanding of His Word, I know God in a deeper, more personal way.

John Ortberg said, “Remember that the key to the Discipline of Study is not reading many books but experiencing what we do read.” Exploring the context and culture of the Bible, gives light to new understanding of the scriptures. The stories we all know are made richer by knowing what the various events meant to the participants.

When I read about when Jesus comes into Jerusalem on a donkey and the people covered the road with their cloaks, that seemed odd to me until I understood that putting cloaks down was a sign of submission. When I knew what that gesture meant I was able to understand better what the whole event was teaching us.

Dig deep and study the meaning of scripture so we can be transformed by knowing God and how he works in the lives of his people.

Linda Lundquist

Grace Anglican, Katy, Texas

Service as a Spiritual Discipline

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

This year at our diocesan ladies retreat we took a look at spiritual disciplines. In the weeks and months to come, we will be sharing devotionals on our new blog about a variety of spiritual disciplines written by ladies in our Diocese. Here is the first devotional written by Jacque Chrisman from Trinity Anglican, Lago Vista, Texas.

For two days I sat in front of our television watching the funerals of a former President. It did not go unnoticed that what was important in this man’s life was God, family, and service. Not just service to our country but service to mankind. As God would have it, all of this took place the day after I accepted the privilege of preparing a devotion on the Discipline of Service. As I listened to all of the testimonies about this man who just happened to have been a President, a truth surfaced. To truly serve others does not stem from the head but true service stems from the heart.

The dictionary defines service as – the action of helping or doing work for someone. I think, for the believer, this definition falls short by not including the heart. If your heart is not part of the action of serving others then your action becomes self-serving.

Jesus was the perfect model for serving others. From his teachings to washing the feet of the disciples to dying on a cross for our very salvation, it was service of the heart. If we are to follow his commands to serve one another then our heart must guide us. Jesus teaches us over and over in the scriptures the importance of serving one another. In fact, it’s not just a teaching, but a command.

What does Jesus command us to do? Just to name a few examples:

• visit the sick

• assist your friend who has lost a child/spouse/parent

• visit those in prison

• adopt a needy family for Christmas

• teach Sunday School

• feed the hungry, work in a food bank

• tutor children in need

• smile at strangers

As we worship Him on Sundays, study His word in our group Bible studies, reflect on His teachings in our small groups, and interact with our fellow man, we need to ask our Lord to guide our hearts in the service to others.  The kind of minute-to-minute service He showed us while He lived as fully Man on earth.  The kind of service to others He commands of us.

Jacque Chrisman

Trinity Anglican, Lago Vista, Texas