Simplicity – Jennifer Woodley

‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.’ Matthew 6:33 (RSV)

Jesus was born into radical humility and lived his earthly life the same way. His was a call to live counter-culturally, by seeking God’s ways first. As such, he was a man who put others first, regarding their own needs before his own. He lived frugally, within his means, abstaining from the materialism and consumerism of the age. He depended entirely upon his Father rather than his own independent self. He possessed little, demanded little and was secure in his own identity. Jesus was simple in nature and simple in behavior.

Simplicity is an inward reality that results in an outward lifestyle. When our inward focus is on God, when we center our heart on him, our outward reality becomes oriented to reflect inner simplicity. A simple life hinges on seeking first the Kingdom of God. Putting first things first, nothing else must come before the Kingdom of God, including the desire for a simple lifestyle.

Simplicity is trusting God. It brings peace and joy, freedom and life. It is single-mindedness. It is free of duplicity, anxiousness, idolatry, and bondage. True simplicity is openness, humility, unselfishness, goodness, and innocence.

Let’s join in learning this old Quaker hymn as we realign our hearts and lives to trusting God and seeking his kingdom first.

‘Tis a gift to be simple, ‘tis a gift to be free,
‘Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

Jennifer lives near Toowoomba, Queensland, with her family. She enjoys encouraging others on their Christian journey through mentoring. Contact