We are all God’s creatures

The Bible tells us that we should live simply, that true abundance is internal and not external, and that we should seek godliness rather than material prosperity in their lives. Paul has said to Timothy, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (1 Timothy. 6:6-8) A recent exponent of simple living was the late Rev. John Stott, who convened a conference on “Simple Living” in England in 1980 to promote the practice of simple living as a way of expressing faith.

About simplicity and sharing, Some people live a simple life, but the reason behind it is frugality, or even miserliness, in order to accumulate money for their own protection, without ever considering what to share with others. Therefore, the external manifestation of simplicity must come from the right beliefs about simple living, and the internal beliefs are so important to the practice of simplicity that without them everything is just a formality.

The belief in simple living comes from the fact that we are all God’s creatures, all equal, all sharing in the resources of the world. And that we are charged with the stewardship and protection of the earth, and that the fullness of life is based on a whole web of relationships, including man and God, neighbour and earth. The goal of us is worship and serve the one God and to love others as ourselves, not as slaves to a crop life.

With these beliefs as a foundation, it makes a big difference to live a simple life and it is logical to share the resources we have with others. In Freedom of Simplicity, Foster points out that simple living is also a spiritual exercise that allows us to reconnect with our right relationship with God, nature and others. Practising simplicity means that we are willing to change our lifestyle to conform to the values and laws of God’s creation.

For example, people using new smart phones and new models being introduced by developers every year. Many people switching to a new model within a year or two after their original phone. Today, the mobile phone has become a necessity of modern life, but the pace at which people change phones far outstrips the need for them as a means of communication. This quest for new gadgets has become a great waste. Simple living does not require a return to primitive living, and it is not too much to ask for a smart phone. But switching phones unnecessarily is a luxury and a waste, so why not give the money spent on a new phone to help those in need and live a simple life?

Korean Club
13 December 2022