These five simple Bible versus will teach you the importance of minimalism and contentment in your life. Are you wanting to learn how to be content? These simple Bible verses give the answer. By reading this article you will be encouraged to shift your perspective from the earthly to the eternal.
I didn’t become a minimalist because I was a Christian or vice versa. The longer I have been a believer the more I see the philosophies of this type of lifestyle taught in scripture.
I put my faith in Christ and the gospel of his death, burial and resurrection over twenty years ago. Studying God’s word, growing in doctrine and being an ambassador to share this message with others is the mission of my life.
Throughout those twenty years I have been through many different types of situations both good and bad. I have learned a variety of lessons. About ten years ago, after experiencing a very traumatic and challenging season of life I discovered the lifestyle of minimalism.
How did I become a minimalist?
I stumbled across Joshua Becker’s blog, Becoming Minimalist. The word’s that Mr. Becker wrote in his blog were like salve to my wounded way of life.
I began to apply and implement the principles of minimalism into my day to day life. It was a change that impacted my earthly life for the better.
The longer I have studied the Bible the more I have seen the principles of minimalism in Scripture. These simple Bible verses on contentment alone are enough to be life changing. This is probably a realization that I should have realized sooner on my journey but here I am. I want to share several verses with you that I believe teach a minimalist approach to this life we live. These verses are simple to understand, but more challenging to apply.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
Minimalism can be defined in a variety of ways. To some it means owning less, to others it means being intentional with the items you do purchase and posses. Although there are varying principles and philosophies when living a minimalist life, at its core, minimalism is a life of contentment.
These verses in 1 Timothy are excellent scriptures to motivate us in the area of contentment. Having the basic necessities of food to curb our hunger and clothing to cover our bodies is truly enough. I you are really honest with yourself there are few things that we actually need.
I could meditate on these scriptures for hours. The lessons of minimalism and contentment are clear.
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
2 Corinthians 1:12
In this Scripture the Apostle Paul, who is the apostle to us as believers, shares that he has lived his life with simplicity and godly sincerity. I believe this is the desire for many of us who are on a journey of minimalism.
We desire to live a life of less. A life that is simple and separate from all of the stress, complexity and artificial pulls that society offers. When everyone around us is striving for more we should make it our goal to strive for less.
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18
Oh the depth of this scripture! As a believer I desire to live my life with an eternal perspective. I understand that the life I live on planet earth is just a vapor. However, while I am living this life it is important that I have the right perspective. This perspective isn’t one focused on my earthly possessions or temporal circumstances but one that is eternal.
An eternal perspective is one that focuses on things of eternal value. This includes the gospel and sharing this message with friends and family that will live eternally with me. When I keep this thought front of mind my life is much simpler and focused on what truly matters.
he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity;
Romans 12:8
I love this Scripture. As someone who strives to live a minimalist lifestyle, an area of my life that has greatly changed over the years is my philosophy around giving. This Scripture has helped mold and shape my giving philosophy. Many of us live in a very consumerist culture. We are bombarded with advertisements and holidays in which we feel obligated to get our loved ones numerous and expensive gifts. But is this what giving should really look like? Not according to this scripture.
Gifts aren’t wrong. Expensive gifts aren’t even wrong but what is important is that our giving be done with simplicity. This might look different to different people in different circumstances. For me personally I now strive to give experiences instead of things, or consider time spent with someone the greatest gift of all.
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Philippians 4:11
When I think of verses in Scripture that teach contentment, this one is near the top of the list. If minimalism is the door we need to walk through to have a more peaceful and stress free life, then contentment is the key that opens the door.
In this life we will experience a variety of situations, both good and bad, both abundant and in need. No matter the situation our perspective is what is vital. When living a minimalist lifestyle it isn’t about a certain amount of possessions but about a life of contentment. As we live each day may we strive to learn contentment. May be we thankful for the things that we have and may we be intentional with our time and resources.
I hope that these scriptures have encouraged you in your walk with the Lord and that you have been challenged to simplify your life and live in contentment As you become more minimalist on your earthly journey, may your mindset shift to the eternal. Comment below and share with me your favorite verses that talk about contentment and/or minimalism.
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