Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?
The Holy Club placed a high priority on living simply. It was during this period of his life that John Wesley decided he could live on £28 per year - which he continued to do for the rest of his life. His income increased dramatically, his expenditure didn't - he gave the surplus away.
It's much harder to live simply in the 21st Century - how to do it is a theme this blog will return during lent.
I'm easily tempted by 'boys toys' - I love my expensive gadgets, and I'm happy that God does give us good things to enjoy. Some Christians are called to a life of poverty - for others (myself included) it's not so simple. When are the 'toys' a gift to be enjoyed and when are they a distraction from what's really important?
Two questions to consider:
Am I generous or selfish with the good things God gives me?
Do I live in the moment or do I spend too much time dreaming of things I don't possess (and which don't satisfy when I get them - it's the wanting that is exciting)?
As I look back on my life, I see that I've spent too much time not making the most of the here and now because I was too busy dreaming about what life will be like when I've got a new car, a new computer etc etc. And when the longed for thing arrived it was quickly abandoned in favour of a new desirable thing that will make my life complete.
Living simply is mostly about learning to be content with what I have.
Bible passage to meditate on 1 Corinthians 1:22-31
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