There is this growing trend and uprising culture of minimalism that is constantly being promoted via blogs, Pinterest pins, Instagram snapshots, and other social media outlets.
Minimalism is defined as a style or technique (as in design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity.
Essentially, minimalism is the idea of living in such a way that you remove the clutter, mess, and “stuff” from your living space and in essence your life.
This trend is beneficial in that it will give you extra space, reducing some of the messes that may induce stress. If you don’t use it often, get rid of it. Instead of collecting things, you focus on collecting experiences. Overall, I really like the idea and this year I am trying to make small changes that will help me achieve a more “minimalistic” mindset.
Yet in relation to our spiritual walk with God, and when it comes to your personal relationship with Jesus, how minimalistic are you? Sometimes it may be easy to do the minimal required for us to feel like we are doing what we are supposed to do.
Praying a quick prayer in the car, simply to say, “I prayed today” isn’t enough. Did you take the time to talk to God? To allow Him to speak to you, and have time to listen, to feel his presence? What about simply handing someone a church card to say you did outreach? How much more effective would it have been if you took the time to approach them like a friend and made a connection? Reading a few verses to say we covered our Bible reading for the day; when we read the Bible without wanting to hear what God is trying to speak to us, we miss out on strengthening soul-food.
One area in life that we should NEVER minimize is the love and desire our souls innately have for Jesus. If anything, with the world’s crazy topsy-turvy ways, we should seek Him out so much more daily!
…but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
{Hebrews 10:25}
Jesus is coming soon and we all need to be ready! When it comes to our hearts, we need to do more to ensure that there is no minimalism in how much it belongs to Jesus. It should be entirely handed over to the creator. Our souls cry out for more because He is the source of our strength — He is our Rock. Let us do the most that we can with what we have, where God has planted us.
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
{Psalm 119:2}
Darling, this is no time to have a minimalistic heart towards God. What goals have you set for yourself this new year that will draw you nearer to Jesus? We would love to hear some of your encouraging goals!