I have delayed writing about the topic of “The Simple Life”
for some time now. There are many
reasons for my delay. Perhaps because I
am not sure exactly what the term means – and am convinced that it is not a
term that means the same to each and every person. Another reason in my delay is because it is
something that hits at a core level with me and would require me to become more
transparent – more open about a subject that can be hotly debated and criticized. (I know, I have been on both ends of that coin.)
However, I am convinced that it is something that we as
Christian’s need to talk about and needs to be addressed. I want to convey my thoughts on different
matters because I feel very much that it is important for us to dialog and
discuss and to challenge our thinking.
Have you ever wondered if what you believe or do is because you have
never been challenged to believe or do something differently? Perhaps a lot of how we live is done by
default. Simply because it is what has
always been done and what everyone around us is doing?
It is my opinion that materialism has a lot to do with the
apathetic state of the Christian church in America today. I will agree that it is not the only
contributing factor in the declining condition of the church; but I must say
that it is a factor. It is my opinion
that it is a very strong factor. I also
believe that most Christians would say they agree that materialism plays a big
part in the overall health of our churches.
However, we often stop there; agreeing that there is a problem; but failing
to go further. To the practical; and
perhaps the reason for that is because it hurts. It hits us where we live and it gets
downright uncomfortable.
I know. I have been
made uncomfortable. Not by materialism
in others but in the worship of things in my own life. The day to day choices I made proved that my
heart was worshiping at another alter.
The alter of things, possessions and prestige have consumed my worship
too many times. I would like to say that
I never go back to that alter. I
do. I would like to say that I can
confess my sin of idolatry and it never comes back. It does.
God has showed me and continues to show me how much things permeate my
life and the culture wherein I live. It
hurts. As the Holy Spirit shows me the
spiritual cancer that is eating away at my joy I have to consent to let Him cut
away at these tumors and remove them from my spiritual heart. Physical surgery causes pain; spiritual
surgery does also.
I do not want to share these posts with you as one that has
arrived. I have not. Perhaps like me you will be hit at a level
that hurts too – if so, I am sorry for the pain; but convinced that God is
leading me on a path that has been difficult at times for me to follow. Looking back, I am seeing how He has been
leading and what
He has been teaching me; and quite honestly, I am excited
about it!
Could it be that the work of God is being hindered in
America because we have become so materialistic and “things” oriented. Forgive me for bringing it down to our level
here. I am a Christian wife and
mom. Could the work of God be hindered
in the lives of my children because of my focus on material things and
money? This one hurts because there is
nothing that I want more than to see my kids grow up to serve God with all
their hearts. I must say that God has showed me that indeed it can! This causes me to tremble because I care very
deeply that my children love God and serve Him long after they leave my
care.
In the posts ahead I challenge you to be open to thinking
outside the American ‘box’. Be willing
to ask yourself the hard questions. You
know the questions, they hit at gut level and cause you to squirm and really
have to ponder the answer. The Holy Spirit has a wonderful way of asking these
questions!
I want my children to
know that God is real that He does provide and that He can be trusted. In
this series, I not only want to cover the philosophies into materialism; but
also delve into the practical things that
give us ideas and knowledge on how to live an everyday life that is
frugal and allows us to make decisions that cause us at the end of the day to
be able to pillow our heads in assurance that we have been wise stewards of the
money and resources that God has given to us as homemakers.
If you have not done so I would challenge you to get the
book: “Money, Possessions, and Eternity”
by Randy Alcorn. This book challenged
my thinking – I mean it REALLY challenged my thinking. So much so, that there were a couple of times
when I had to put the book down because I was under conviction about the
materialistic leanings of my heart. It
was a hard read for me; but one that left me changed and caused my view on
things to never be the same. It is a
good read; and a book worth adding to your library.
Now for the announcement! I
have decided to offer this book as a giveaway item to launch this new
series. Here is how it will work: There are several ways in which you can add
your name to the book giveaway.
First, by just commenting on this post and telling me you
would like to be entered.
Second, by posting on your blog about the new series; and
providing your readers with a link over to my blog. After you make your blog
post simply come back to this post and comment and tell me about your post and
that you would like to be entered again. (Please provide me a link to your post
about the book giveaway).
Thirdly, by posting on face book about the series every
Monday and providing your friends with a link over to my blog. Again, after you
place the face book link for your friends to see come and let me know and enter
your name in again – (on the comment section of this blog post), commenting to
me about your face book invite to my blog. (Inviting your friends every Monday to join us
will allow you to add your name to the drawing 4 extra times!)
The book giveaway will be promoted until Monday, August 5, 2013. On that Monday at 8pm EST I will close the
giveaway comments section and will draw a name by random. The winner of the drawing will receive a copy
of Randy’s book. I hope you will
participate in the giveaway and invite your friends to join us for this series
on The Simple Life.
The Simple Life series will be posted every Monday morning. I will continue to post family postings and
other devotional blog posts throughout the week; but reserve Monday’s for the
Simple life series. I do not know how
long we will continue the series; but am looking forward to posting about The
Simple Life and getting your input and thoughts on the matters we discuss also!
So, get ready for the ride.
I am excited to post about some things that are near and dear to my
heart. Thanks so much for stopping by, I
am so glad you did; and I hope you will continue to join us for the upcoming
posts on “The Simple Life” and invite your friends to join us too! Our first
Simple Life Post will begin on Monday, July 15, 2013.
Blessings,
~Martie
( Due to the cost of shipping, the book giveaway is available only to USA shipping addresses only)
