Christian Contentment and the Meaning of Living Simply
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the irony of a gift-shop poster selling the message โLive Simply.โ The article considers whether simplicity is mainly about spending less, or whether Scripture points Christians toward deeper contentment and faithful stewardship.
- A commercialized slogan about simplicity raises questions about consumer habits.
- The Bible emphasizes stewardship and contentment more than simplicity as a lifestyle brand.
- Paulโs example points believers toward satisfaction in Christ regardless of circumstances.
By Mark A. Taylor
Seldom does a gift-shop display demand a photo, but the irony in this one begged to be recorded.
There, in the center of decorations, dinnerware, and every conceivable starred-and-striped Fourth of July doodad was a framed poster. Available for only $25.49, in hues of red, white, and blue, it sported only two words:
“Live Simply.”
When Simplicity Becomes a Product
It seems the American marketing machine can capitalize on any sentiment. This includes offering us ways to spend money promoting a philosophy that advocates spending less money.
“What does it really mean to โlive simplyโ?” I asked my traveling companion, when we had returned to the car.
We were finishing a five-day road trip during which four of us had spent hundreds of dollars sightseeing, eating, buying gas, and staying in a hotel. But the trip was not extravagant: meals at Cracker Barrel and Subway; overnights in a room whose rate was less than half of others nearby; travel by fuel-efficient car instead of plane.
Had we taken a simple vacation? Perhaps. But beset by headlines reporting African AIDS victims, American communities decimated by floods and forest fires, and worldwide suffering due to high gas prices, Iโm not so sure. Millions would call what we enjoyed pure luxury.
Biblical Stewardship and Contentment
The Bible doesnโt advocate simplicity as such, but stewardship. Doubtlessly, heeding biblical money principles has led some to settle for inexpensive pleasures. But more than one Bible hero was wealthy, and the apostle Paul felt no guilt about living with plenty (Philippians 4:11-13).
Of course, he also said he could be just as happy with little or nothing. His focus was on Christ and his work, not this world and its wonders or even its simplest pleasures.
And so far, his approach to life hasnโt stimulated many gift-shop slogans:
“Content with Whatever” (Philippians 4:12).
“Free from the Love of Money” (Hebrews 13:5).
“Food and ClothesโWhat More Could I Want?” (1 Timothy 6:8).
Author: Mark A. Taylor
Mark A. Taylor, who served as Christian Standard editor from 2003 to 2017, retired in June 2017 after almost 41 years with Standard Publishing (Christian Standard Media).
