Review of Life: Simplicity

Is your life really about “the one thing necessary”? 

Is simplicity a joy and source of freedom to you or do you experience simplicity as a burden? Are you anxious about material possessions or a lack of them? If so, why?

What is your personal understanding of your fundamental call from God? Do you have some concepts about living simply that you are clear about? If so, what are they? 

Does your way of life witness to the ideal of simplicity? Is this area of your life shared with your pastoral leader and/or an appropriate sister? 

Can you explain your life and your lifestyle to others? How?—In light of that, can you explain why you have various possessions? 

Is there a dissonance in how you are living? For example, do you feel that some of your possessions are not in keeping with the ideal of simplicity? Are any of them taking the place of devotion to the Lord in some way? On the other hand, are you outfitted well enough for your current service, employment, and position in society (clothes, shoes, office needs)? A purge of possessions (or some purchases) may be in order. 

How much time do you spend thinking about or purchasing clothing and shoes? Is it enough time? Too much time? 

Do you honor the Lord by the way that you use your resources? Are you generous toward God and others with your time, money, and possessions? 

How much money are you earning? What are you giving in alms and tithing? In what other ways do you use your money? Do you know how much you spend on entertainment, luxuries, and recreational eating? Are your finances in order? 

What gifts have you recently received? Have you made a conscious decision about what to do with the gift based on simplicity and/or other reasons that are in keeping with your lifestyle and commitments? 

Are you offering hospitality and serving the needs of community in your home and work life? 

Are you eating properly? What are your meals like? Are you overeating? Are you eating enough? How do you decide what food and drink to buy? How much do you spend on eating out? Do you have a budget for this? 

What kind of regular fasting—from food, purchases, entertainment, etc.—do you do? Why?