Translate:
A Gift from Our Family to Yours
April 26, 2026 - For the Church at the St. John Church of Christ
Spiritual Discipline: Simplicity
An old Shaker song goes, “’Tis a gift to be simple. ‘Tis a gift to be free.” We may agree with the sentiment, but there has never been a more complicated, cluttered, bureaucratic society than the one we live in today. In fact, the “good life” is often defined by how full, busy, and complicated our lives are. Modern life is not simple. It is always about adding one more thing. But the more we add, the more can go wrong: one car, one set of problems; two cars, two sets. Adding the latest, the biggest, and the best to our lives wreaks havoc in our souls as well as our environment.
The discipline of simplicity is the desire to uncomplicate and untangle our lives so we can focus on what really matters. Simplicity cultivates the great art of letting go. Simplicity aims at loosening inordinate attachment to owning and having. Simplicity brings freedom and with it generosity. Jesus teaches us that freedom is not found in having and doing but in keeping God and his will first in our heart. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Jesus wants us to know that we don’t need all the things or experiences that we think we do. What we really need is to keep first things first – Jesus and his kingdom. Life becomes much more simple when one thing matters most.
One day we will all have to let go of everything – even our own breath. It will be a day of utter simplicity – a day when the importance of stuff fades. Learning to live simply prepares us for our last breath while cultivating in us the freedom to truly live here and now.
Daily Verse of the Day
Worship Times
We meet together regularly on Sunday mornings. We would love to have you join us!
We have bible classes for all ages at 10:00 a.m. Following classes, we meet together as a church family at 11:00 a.m. for worship services.
On the first Sunday of the month we enjoy a potluck meal together following worship service.
Cookie Policy
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.