although i get a little nervous saying this, this path to become minimalist has become a spiritual journey for me. i get nervous about that because i realize that this ups the anty in my journey. before it was just about deliberating getting organized and choosing a new design style for my home. but now it’s about living a life that is honoring to the God who created me. choosing a design style, i’m okay if i screw that up. but not honoring God with my life, that’s a mistake i want to stay away from…
dallas willard defined discipleship this way, “trying to live your life the way Jesus would live your life.” i really like that. it’s a helpful thought for me. i don’t have to try and relive Jesus’ life exactly how he lived it – He already lived that life. instead, i need to take the life that God has given to me and ask the question, “how would Jesus live it if he were living my life?” with that in mind, i look around my home and wonder, “is this what Jesus’s house would look like if he were living my life? would his closet look this full? would his kitchen have this many gadgets? would he have spent as much on home furnishings and decorations as i have?” most of the time, i answer in the negative.
it seems to me the minimalist life is more in-tune with the life that Jesus would live. and therefore, this journey has become very spiritual for me and that makes me excited and nervous.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. We have been confronted and challenged with many of the same issues. Truthfully, I have never known if our minimalist tendencies were out of necessity because of our ‘vocation’, but you have encouraged me to remember that it is much more than that. Timely, as we begin a year in America!
I think it is wonderful to hear your story. As I am working towards a more minimalist life, I thank God for the things I do have.
I agree. We are supposed to live Christ-like lives, and Jesus set the ultimate example. He made people the priority, not things. He did so to the extent of not having a house, but only owning the clothes on His back, and the sandals on His feet, and doing absolutely everything for others. Minimalist/Simple living is a step in the right direction for us all.
I know this post is super old, but I’m reading your journey from the beginning, as I’m the mom of two little ones living a suburban lifestyle and trying to minimize. Your blog, especially these old posts, is so inspiring. I’m wondering if your wife has become a minimalist “convert” over the last few years? My husband rolls his eyes at me when I’m purging the house. But he’s a good sport. I guess that means there’s hope! I’m printing out this post because as strong christian, I totally agree with it and want to keep it as inspiration. Thank you!
I too, stumbled onto this blog because of a link from another. I appreciate so much your encouragement on minimalism from a family standpoint. I am a mom of two, and am currently trying to find ways to pare down our household to only the essentials. And I want one of the main essentials in our household and in my daily life to be pursuing the heart of God. That is what drives me to get rid of clutter, free up our schedules and our finances to that end. Thank you for what you are doing!
Hi. I am walking the same path for the same reason. It started with a “rock bottom” moment, and Jesus came to me through the voice of my eldest daughter (we have three), Avery. She asked me about God, and I realized I’d strayed far from His path. We began implementing lifestyle changes in several areas and, only after a few months of cherishing togetherness, less spending/consuming, more praying and exercising I came across this new (to me anyway) word: minimalism.
I’ve subscribed and will be a reader and supporter. Thank you for the inspiration, and my prayers are with you and your family on your journey.
Just for the record, atheists and humanists can also embrace a lifestyle of meaningful simplicity and minimalism. As an agnostic Zen Buddhist, I honor all faith traditions as long as said faith does not seek to harm others but I did want to speak on behalf of the community of non-theists.