Go Beyond

This is my fifth installment of practical ideas for personal growth in the New Year. Today’s ideas are all about moving toward simplicity. These are only a few of the steps we can take to eliminate the clutter, clamor, and chaos that distract us from hearing God’s voice, seeking His kingdom and righteousness, and serving His purposes. Please read these ideas carefully and ask God help you identify the ways in which Satan works to seduce you away from the “simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). And then, take action to simplify your life.

Learn to say no. | We often fail to say no to things that we should not do or don’t want to do because we don’t want to disappoint others. As a result, we over-commit our time and resources and give up control of our lives. Identify what is most important to you so that you can say yes to those things and no to the things that are not as important.

Plan ahead. | We tend to complicate our own lives by failing to plan ahead and scheduling periods for rest, reflection, and recharging. Instead, we jump from one thing to another without ever pausing long enough to savor the joy of accomplishment (Proverbs 13:19). As a result, we add unnecessary stress to our lives (Proverbs 13:12). Learn to schedule your down times as intentionally as you schedule other activities. And, limit activities outside your home so that you can invest in the people who live in your home.

Reduce debt. | If you have debt, stop adding to it. Instead, take practical (and hard) steps to reduce it. Don’t mortgage your future by purchasing stuff you can’t afford with money you don’t have. Learn to live below your means and to be content with what you have (Philippians 4:12).

Stop upgrading. | Your life will not come to an end if you do not upgrade to a newer and faster computer, phone, television, car, or whatever. Don’t justify selfish or unnecessary purchases by trying to convince yourself that something newer or faster will help you to simplify your life. Having newer stuff does not equal simplicity. Try owning something long enough to wear it out.

Clear the clutter. | Most people have so much stuff that they lose track of what they have. We have stuff in our homes, garages, attics, and even more stuff buried in storage graveyards. We have stuff that we never use that could bless others if we took the time to give it away. Add clutter clearing to your calendar and start eliminating unnecessary stuff a little at a time. And, while you’re at it, de-clutter your heart. Eliminate the clutter of fear, guilt, anxiety, and busyness so that you can make room for more time with Christ.

Stop maintaining. | Take inventory of all of the things that you have and never use, but must maintain. Don’t let junk drain you of energy and resources. Cancel subscriptions to magazines that you never read. Drop your memberships to the places you seldom go. Sell or give stuff away in order to stop serving your stuff.

Turn off and tune in. | Simplify your schedule by eliminating time in front of the television. Break your addiction to noise. Schedule some time to read a devotional, to meditate on a passage of Scripture, to read a good book, or to enjoy meaningful conversation with a family member or friend. Turn off the noise so that you can tune in to God and those closest to you. Please take a moment to read my post entitled Go Remote for additional insight.

Do the math. | Don’t drive across town to save two cents on gas or a dime on lima beans. Your time is worth much more than what you think you’ll save. Pay your bills online and look for other ways to recover the only resource that you can’t replace — your time.