Simpler Lifestyle

The focus of what follows is the simpler, not simple, lifestyle. It is not an argument for the simplest possible lifestyle, as lived by monks and nuns in the past or by counterculture communities in the present, but for simplifying our lifestyle in an acquisitive and consumer-oriented culture (see Consumerism). Because our society is so shaped by such strong materialistic impulses, so permeated by powerful advertising and so oriented to shopping as a way of life, most of us need help in reducing our expectations and expenditure to more reasonable levels. We need to shift from “more” to “enough.” This becomes even more necessary when certain basic Christian values are taken into account. Some people’s calling is to follow a simple lifestyle, and others have little choice in the matter. It is not these people but the bulk of us who are here in view.

Earlier Approaches to Simplifying Life

The desire to simplify life and major on essentials is not new to the modern world. The earliest Quakers aimed for simplicity in dress and life as well as in manners and worship, and even developed “sumptuary laws” to provide practical guidance for fellow “friends.” The Puritans in both England and America did the same and placed a high value on thrift. We should not see either group as austere-minded or life-denying. Both maintained a real place for enjoying the basic good things of life, but they were also committed to putting their savings at the service of beneficial investment or people in need. Other groups, such as the Moravians and Mennonites, and later Shakers, developed an even more distinctive and communal way of life, in which modesty and contentment were everywhere present.

Less shaped by Christian ideals, though still influenced by them, was the simplicity present in the best early republican circles in America, in the romantic simplicity focused on nature and domestic life of the English Lake poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge, and in the related rustic simplicity sought by transcendentalists like Thoreau or Emerson. These ideals were followed by the naturalists, with their interest in handmade arts and crafts, who influenced the later counterculture and ecological movements, both of which developed an anticonsumerist stance. Meanwhile those with a strong sense of vocation, including many Christians working among underprivileged groups or in overseas missions, developed a simpler form of life on the basis of their religious convictions and cultural circumstances.

Biblical Perspectives on a Simpler Lifestyle

Much could be said about simplicity from both the Old and the New Testament. The former grew out of a nomadic, later agrarian, way of life, some of whose values carried over into life in larger towns and cities. The Mosaic laws, prophetic injunctions and advice of the wise all inveigh against ostentatious wealth and indulgent luxury (see Wealth), as well as the self-centered and oppressive actions which tend to flow from these. Many laws in Exodus and Deuteronomy exist to prevent too great an inequity developing among the people, and to encourage the proper sharing of wealth and property so that the poor and weak are not disadvantaged (see Stewardship). The surrounding nations are frequently criticized for their quest for ostentatious wealth and displays of luxury in both the public and the private arena. The Israelites themselves are warned of the dangers of the too comfortable life of nice houses, growing herds, increasing income and abundance of food (Deut. 8:11-19).

While in the public sphere there is a place for building a temple, a royal palace and other public works and, after the exile, for rebuilding parts of the city of Jerusalem and restoring the temple, in all these things a sense of proportion is generally maintained. Private wealth is not condemned if viewed and used properly, that is, seen as a blessing from God and regarded as a privilege to be shared generously with others. There are dire warnings against those who have the good things of life but ignore the poor on their doorstep (Amos 6:4-7) and strong endorsements of those who take the opposite attitude (Psalm 112:1, 3-5, 9). The ideal woman, involved in business as well as raising her family, is depicted as opening her hands to the needy (Proverbs 31:20). Alongside these portraits there are also exemplary figures such as some of the prophets, or the divinely appointed “suffering servant” whose modest appearance and way of life may lead others to ignore him but who should not be overlooked by the faithful people of God (Isaiah 53:2-3).

Throughout the New Testament we are presented with pictures and stories, principles and recommendations, that throw light on the importance of developing a lifestyle that is consistent with the purposes and character of God. We find these in the life of Jesus and the disciples in the Gospels, in the portraits of the early church in Acts and in the directions to churches in the apostolic letters. Jesus’ way of life exemplifies perfectly the simple, though not austere, way of life foretold of the suffering servant (Matthew 8:20), and his teaching encouraged an attitude toward possessions that was free of preoccupation and anxiety (Luke 12:22-32) and full of willingness to share them with those less fortunate (Luke 12:33-34). The early Christians in Jerusalem committed themselves to sharing some, though not all, of their resources with one another, especially with those in need (Acts 2:44-46; Acts 4:32-35).

Paul has much to say about lifestyle. At the heart of his approach is the conviction that we have been “purchased” already (1 Cor. 6:20) and that the basic “work” for our salvation has already been accomplished (Ephes. 2:8-9): no longer can our lives revolve around buying and consuming or around endless work and acquisition. We are also reminded that it is who we are and are becoming in the Spirit that is decisive, not what we own or achieve. This means that being or becoming is more important than having or doing. This involves developing self-control (Galatians 5:23), one of the cardinal fruits of the Spirit, and generosity (2 Cor. 8:8-9), one of the chief characteristics of Christ. We should also be aware that we are living “between the times” and therefore always sit somewhat loose to our acquisitions, never making them our chief focus (1 Cor. 7:29-31).

In developing our way of life we should always have a view to the situation of our neighbors (1 Cor. 10:28) and the plight of those in need (2 Cor. 8:1-5). On the other hand, we should not be over-scrupulous about what we spend our money on, lest we pay this too much attention and get caught up in casuistry (1 Cor. 10:25-26). We should always be open to and grateful to God for the good things from God’s creation and providence that we enjoy (1 Tim. 4:4-5). Central to our whole approach to life should be a willingness to accept whatever comes our way, whether it be much or little, on the principle that through Christ we can find contentment in all situations and that God will supply all that we need (Phil. 4:11-13). Our life should be characterized by modesty in material things (1 Peter 3:3-4) rather than a greedy search for gain (1 Tim. 3:8). We should be satisfied with the basic necessities of life, such as food and clothing, and grateful for anything extra that comes along (1 Tim. 6:8).

General Principles for a Simpler Lifestyle

Before suggesting some practical guidelines for developing a simpler lifestyle, some clarifications and broader principles are worth noting.

A simpler lifestyle includes the way we spend our time and do our work as well as the amount of money we spend or goods we buy. It is about a total way of life, not just about living standards.

The issue at stake is not whether or not we should consume, but that we be producers as well as consumers. It is also about what and how much to consume.

We need to challenge the false views of those who are opposed to and those who are advocates of a simpler lifestyle. On the one hand, it is not true that maintaining present spending levels or increasing them is necessary for the health of the economy; the latter would just have to adjust to new spending habits and in the process could develop new enterprises and services. On the other hand, it is not true that a simpler lifestyle is less complicated: often the reverse is the case, as it sometimes takes more time, at least initially, to discover alternative sources of items or ways of doing things.

Related to the last point, it is important not to idealize greater simplicity. In some cases it is better to reckon with certain realities of life rather than retain unrealistic expectations or undertake extraordinary, sometimes exhausting, efforts to live according to them.

Following a simpler lifestyle does not mean being opposed to technology. Instead the right technology can be one of the agents for simplifying certain responsibilities.

Greater simplicity is a means, not an aim. Turning it into the latter gets it out of perspective with other important priorities, making it an idol to which they are sacrificed.

Developing a simpler lifestyle is a corporate as well as an individual challenge. Not just individuals but families, churches and organizations need to consider their use of time and standard of life from this perspective. This is particularly important for churches not only because they are generally so preoccupied with putting up bigger and better church buildings or in creating more and more time-consuming programs, but because what they do provides an influential model to their members of the key priorities and values of the kingdom.

Working out how to simplify life is something we need the help of others to do properly. It is too complex and large a task for us to do alone, even in our families, and we need to be held accountable by others for the choices we make. Central to this whole process is asking God for help in prayer and seeking the discernment that comes from the Spirit.

Practical Guidelines for a Simpler Lifestyle

Various groups have suggested guidelines for developing a simpler lifestyle. There are suggestions elsewhere for dealing with the pace of life (see Busyness) and the pressure of time. One of the best known set of recommendations for dealing with goods and possessions was produced by the Central Committee of the Mennonite Church. Among its suggestions are recommendations for growing a vegetable garden as a family project, walking or cycling where possible instead of using a car, developing your own leisure activities alongside others that are available, using fewer disposables, lodging where feasible with friends when away from home, avoiding clothing fashions and fads, mending and reactivating old clothing instead of getting rid of it, buying used furniture, buying smaller cars, moving into a smaller house or sharing a house with someone, and refraining from shopping for recreation.

Out of our own accumulated experience we have developed the following simple set of questions, considerations and recommendations to help maintain a simpler form of life. These are not intended to be prescriptive, but rather suggestive of possibilities that can be pursued.

In terms of living space, think carefully about what a house is for in God’s purposes rather than what you would like to own, and let that guide your choice to buy or rent, as well as the location, size and furnishings that are appropriate. This may mean a larger house to accommodate frequent guests or Christian workers, or a smaller house in a disadvantaged neighborhood in which ministry is being undertaken. The issue of housing also raises questions about how large a mortgage, or how much a proportion of our income, we wish to commit to our accommodation needs. Beyond these specific questions, considerations and guidelines, we should think about the wider configuration of our lives. Do we have to live singly, or as a separate family unit, or could we share an apartment with another single, live in or start up a community, or look for some cooperative housing arrangement?

In regard to moving around, ask yourself if an automobile is really necessary or if public transportation could do the job. If we do need a car, what kind would be most suitable to the responsibilities we have to family, friends, visitors, church, work and other ministry? Are we better off getting one secondhand or new? How much of what we earn can we responsibly spend on acquiring, maintaining and insuring it? What policy should we have for loaning it to others who may not have a car or one suitable for their purposes? Given the amount of noise, pollution and injuries they cause, how many cars is it appropriate for a family to own, or how much can we share vehicles even if at times it is inconvenient for one family member?

With respect to purchasing habits, why not replace things only as they wear out, rather than beforehand, and only purchase certain items—such as compact disks and books—for special occasions? For the rest, we ask the following questions to help us decide whether or not to buy a particular item: Can we do without it, or what would we do with the money if we didn’t spend it on what we are considering? Can we borrow it or (as we have done with cars, lawnmowers, gardening equipment and VCRs) own it jointly with someone else? Do we need it now, or can we put off buying it till later? Have we fully used up similar items we have already bought, such as having read the books we already own? To what extent will it damage God’s world, and if it causes too much, is there some alternative? There are also other important issues such as buying quality products, even if they cost more at the time, because of the longer life they will have overall.

Simplifying one’s life raises a range of larger issues concerned with time as already mentioned, with calling or vocation, with community and with our understanding and practice of ownership. It is a complex issue in an already complex world, but one that is becoming increasingly important for citizens of the kingdom of God. At stake is nothing less than reflecting the values of the kingdom of God in the midst of a greedy and needy world.

» See also: Ownership

» See also: Shopping

References and Resources

J. McInnes, The New Pilgrims (Sydney: Albatross, 1980); D. E. Shi, In Search of the Simple Life: American Voices Past and Present (Layton, Utah: Peregrine Smith, 1986); J. R. Shortney, How to Live on Nothing (New York: Pocket, 1971); R. J. Sider, ed., Living More Simply: Biblical Principles and Practical Models (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1980); Simple Living Collective, Taking Charge: Personal and Political Change Through Simple Living (San Francisco: American Friends Service Committee, 1975); Smallternatives Working Group, Smallternatives: Personal Guide to Saving Energy and Money (Sydney: Second Back Row Press, 1979); John V. Taylor, Enough Is Enough (London: SCM Press, 1975).

—Julie and Robert Banks