By Barnabas Piper
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:33-37, Luke 10:38-42, Luke 12:15-33, 1 Timothy 6:9, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Hebrews 13:5, James 4:1-2
Over the last several years in America there has been a rising emphasis on minimalism and downsizing as a response to consumerism and the anxiety it stirs up in human hearts. The idea of simplifying life, even of asceticism (self-discipline and abstinence from worldly pleasures), has a certain draw because of the self-control it signifies and the removal of chaos from life. We tend to think in terms of habits and lifestyles, our self-dictated modes of constructing a life to achieve a certain outcome—in this case, peace through simplification. But this is not the way the Bible addresses simplicity.
Throughout the New Testament, the emphasis from Jesus and all the other authors is on the heart.
When Jesus spoke with Mary and Martha (Luke 10), He commended Mary’s heart, her desire to receive from Him. In Matthew 5, Jesus upheld a clear, straightforward, honest character: Be a person of your word. In Luke 12, Jesus used examples—a rich fool, the birds, the flowers—to remind us that rooted faith in a loving heavenly Father counteracts anxiety. And Hebrews 13:5 points us to contentment, not technique: “Be satisfied with what you have.” These verses, and so many others like them, clearly show that what matters most is what our hearts are resting on and trusting in.
Where are we looking for contentment, and on what are we placing our hope?
Of course, the Bible addresses acute dangers with pointed warnings. The New Testament writers knew intimately the temptations and inclinations of the human heart, including and especially the love of money (1Timothy 6:9,17–19, Hebrews 13:5). It is a universal temptation, whether we have lots of money or very little, because the love of money is less about wealth and more about worship. To love money (or possessions of any kind) is to place more confidence in it, to desire it more, and to give it a more prominent place in our heart than Jesus. So the Bible doesn’t command specific actions or strategies to resist this temptation—downsize, donate, minimize, etc.—because the remedy is not external but internal.
We must rest our hearts, our lives, and our futures entirely on Christ. That is true simplicity.
Simplicity resides at the level of faith. On what are you depending? In whom are you hoping? By what standard do you measure your success and reputation? If the answer is anything other than Jesus, we have invited chaos and anxiety into our hearts.
If this (ironically) seems simplistic to you, consider that such foundational faith will inevitably shape the rest of your life—your decisions, lifestyle, and planning. To place your trust solely in Jesus is not eschewing responsibility but directing it decisively with single-mindedness. When the Bible speaks of being single-minded or whole-hearted, it means to have one focus, one aim, one provider, one God, one Savior. It means to depend wholly on Christ, serve Him alone, and let Him shape and direct your decisions. This can be frightening because we are tempted to think that securing the future depends on us. But remember: “Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).
Written by Barnabas Piper
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