Embracing Simplicity - Pastor Ekpenyong

1 Timothy 2:2  Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation.

Life in the 21st century is so complicated and fast paced with so many things calling your attention that you hardly find the time to enjoy your life, much less your family, your journey, or your resources.

Life is more stressful than ever - people are hurrying everywhere, busier and dissatisfied. They are frustrated and under a lot of pressure.

However, living a satisfying life is not a function of enjoyable circumstances. It has everything to do with your attitude and perspective.

It is impossible to enjoy the life in Christ without embracing simplicity.

Luke 10:41-42 The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it - it's the main course, and won't be taken from her."

Simplicity brings joy and complication blocks it. When we are complicated inside, then everything else in life seems that way to us. Some people have so complicated their walk with God that they don't know where to start from.

Prayer has become a burden, all because they don't know the simple rules that govern prayer. Prayer and other spiritual exercises have become burdensome, all because we've complicated everything. Meanwhile, it’s supposed to be an expression of child like faith to the Father who loves us and has made provision for all that we would ever need.

When you begin to live your life with all the simplicity of a child, it will change your whole outlook in a most amazing way.

Matthew 18:3 and said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Marks of Being Childlike

Trusting: A child is believing, unquestioning, i.e. non-suspicious.

Lowly: A child is humble, modest and simple.

Loving: He is tender, caring and  warm.

Forgiving: Compassionate, tolerant, merciful.

Ways to Simplify Your Life

GRATITUDE: 

1Thessolonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Become a grateful person. Take note of the things most taken for granted and be grateful - sunlight,  life, salvation, etc. 

We take mostly for granted the things money can't buy.

Remember, gratitude isn't about the circumstance but the person.

Despite that Jesus was faced with 5000 people with only 5 loaves and 2 fishes at hand in the wilderness, He still thanked the Father.

When he got to Lazarus's tomb, He also thanked the Father.

Be thankful and give thanks!

LEARN CONTENTMENT

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Paul says he has learned how to be content.

Contentment doesn't mean you don't want more; it means you're satisfied to the point that you're not anxious or disturbed.

Contentment is great gain because it sets your mind free from anxious care.

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

This scripture let’s us know that we can and should be satisfied where we are, while we are getting to where we are going.

Our satisfaction is in Him while we are on our way to the fulfilment of our hopes and dreams.

Here are 4 things I believe induce discontent:

Greed

Fear that you'll not get what you desire.

Lack of trust in God.

Misplaced priority.

Contentment does not mean you shouldn't be motivated. Rather, it helps you make the most of your present situation since anxiety has been eliminated as well as the fear of failing.

MODERATION: It’s a trait of avoiding excesses.

Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Living in moderation is an uphill battle in today's world where there's such an inordinate desire to impress people and gain visibility.

Even good things can be a stumbling block to us, if used without moderation.

BE SACRIFICIAL: Sacrifice is everything about the New Covenant.

Jesus became sin that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

By His stripes we were healed!

He became poor for us that we might become rich.

You may be looked at as a fool for choosing to be sacrificial but your life will become even simpler.

Matthew 5:38 - 48 You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But now I tell you: do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too. And if someone takes you to court to sue you for your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if one of the occupation troops forces you to carry his pack one mile, carry it two miles. When someone asks you for something, give it to him; when someone wants to borrow something, lend it to him. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends, hate your enemies.’ But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that! You must be perfect -- just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Be willing to sacrifice things for people because people are more important than things. Use your resources to lift other people up.

Give up some opportunities so others can benefit.

Resist the temptation to amass ALL to yourself.

RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO IMPRESS AND COMPETE

2 Corinthians 10:12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

You are your own competition. 

You will either be remembered for the PROBLEMS you SOLVED or the PROBLEMS you CREATED.

Compete with your previous best and not others. Life is not a competition.

Stop competing against your spouse.

Live within your means and trust God to open beneficial doors to you. 

The inordinate desire to impress has put a lot of people in debt. 

Be comfortable with saying NO.

You are not to play GOD in the lives of people.

Your life is not defined by things but by the quality of your personality.

Men are rich in what they are and not in what they have

LOOK FOR THE GOOD IN PEOPLE, PLACES AND SITUATIONS

Nothing is intrinsically bad, especially because it is part of God's creation.

Numbers 14:8-9 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”

No doubt that people have hurt you because you vouched for them, however, train yourself to still see GOD in people.

When you see GOD in His creation you will see GOOD in His creation

Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Take note of what Joseph said "you intended to", "God intended it".

Though there are giants in the land, choose to see that it’s a land flowing with milk and honey.

Wise people have found that the secret to happiness is not in getting more but in wanting less.

Grow up in behavior but remain child like in attitude toward God concerning trust and dependence.

Your life will become the wonder it’s designed in Christ to be when you embrace simplicity.

Unclutter your mind and your life.

Be at peace with yourself now that you're at peace with God.

Remember, enjoying life isn't a function of enjoyable circumstances.

You're LOVED and CELEBRATED!