In a world that often feels complicated and filled with excess, the Christian call to simplicity stands as a compelling invitation to focus on what truly matters. Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount and in particular, the teachings from Matthew 6 provide a clear vision of simplicity, not as a rejection of life’s blessings, but as a way to return to a more intentional, fulfilling way of living.
What Simplicity Really Means
Richard Foster defines simplicity as “an inward reality that results in an outward lifestyle.”[1] This helps us understand that simplicity isn’t just about what we own or how we live outwardly, but about a deeper shift in our hearts and priorities. When inward simplicity is present, it will naturally shape how we live. On the other hand, focusing only on external simplicity can lead to legalism, while an inward simplicity that isn’t lived out can feel disconnected or ineffective.
Living Simplicity Inwardly
At the heart of simplicity is an undivided focus on God. In Matthew 6:25, Jesus challenges us to stop worrying about material concerns like food, drink, or clothing. These concerns, though necessary, can distract us from what really matters. He reminds us that life is more than just physical needs. When we’re consumed by worry, we miss the opportunity to trust God and live in the liberation He offers.
Simplicity means learning to let go of these distractions. Jesus uses the example of birds and lilies, pointing out that they are cared for by God without worrying about their survival. If God cares for them, how much more will He care for us? I really like the New Singlish Translation, though not an official translation, of Matthew 6:26 “You see the downstairs the uWWUUU bird, everyday bo zo kang also God give them eat so full. You not bird you even more no need scared.”
Trusting in God's provision frees us from the anxiety that leads to cluttered lives and because we “not birds, we no need to scared”.
The second key to simplicity is making the Kingdom of God our top priority. Matthew 6:33 tells us, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Here, Jesus shows that simplicity isn’t about forsaking all material things but about setting our focus on God’s reign.
When Jesus tells the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor in the book of Mark. The issue wasn’t the possessions themselves, but the fact that they competed with God’s Kingdom in his heart.
When we make God’s Kingdom our first priority, everything else, necessary, falls into place.
This idea of prioritizing God's kingdom was fundemental to Jesus' own life. He expressed His own mission in John 4:34: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.” A life focused on God’s will, above all else, offers a powerful model for simplicity. It allows us to align our decisions, relationships, and actions with a higher purpose.
Living Simplicity Outwardly
As we cultivate an inward simplicity, it should naturally lead to an outward lifestyle of stewardship and generosity. In a culture that often encourages accumulation and excess, simplicity calls us to rethink our approach to possessions. Dave Ramsey wisely said, “We buy things we don’t want with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.” This accumulation often distracts us from what truly matters and burdens us with unnecessary stress.
Simplicity is about being content with what we have, generously sharing what we receive, and rejecting the pressure to accumulate more. It doesn't mean that wealth or pleasure are inherently wrong, but that they must be properly contextualized within God’s provision rather than worldly success.
When we seek God’s Kingdom first, we are promised that He will provide for our needs.
However, this doesn’t mean we will necessarily experience material abundance. Rather, it assures us that God will meet our basic needs like food, shelter, and care etc, so that we can focus on His Kingdom. Psalm 23 offers a beautiful picture of this provision: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” or in other translations “...I lack nothing”.
The imagery of Psalm 23 often evokes lush green fields but the actual landscape of the Judean wilderness that the Psalmist is describing looks more like sporadic patches of grass in otherwise barren desert. What this means is that when the Bible says that the Shepherd will lead us to green pastures, it is saying that the Shepherd will lead us to those areas that can provide the food and water necessary for sustenance. Perhaps, just enough for the sheep to feed on.
We may not always have more than enough, but we will have enough.
This trust in God’s provision can also be seen in the stories of people who live by faith. Despite not having excess resources, they experience God's faithfulness and provision, often at just the right time. The key is not an abundance of material goods but the sufficiency of what God provides.
John Wesley is a great example of someone who lived out simplicity. Wesley taught that Christians should earn all they can, save all they can, and give all they can.
When John Wesley was earning about 30 pounds, he lived on 28 pounds and gave the rest away. Later on in life, when his income grew to around 1,400 pounds from writing books, he continued to live on just 28 pounds, giving the rest away. The logic is straightforward: if I could live on 28 pounds then, I can live on 28 pounds now.
This logic follows the principle of this timeless adage: “When we are financially blessed, don’t raise the standard of living, rather, raise the standard of giving”.
A Simple Challenge for all
As we reflect on simplicity, we are invited to make intentional decisions about how we live, what we prioritize, and where we invest our time, energy, and resources. The challenge here is not to do less in all areas of life, but to focus on doing less of what detracts us from God’s calling. When we simplify our lives, we create space for God to move more powerfully within us.
Consider what aspects of your life need simplifying? What is one distraction that is keeping you from living in alignment with God’s purposes? And how can you focus your energy on what truly matters? What is one thing you need to start doing, one that will bear eternal fruit?
The end goal of simplicity is simply this.
It is less of us and more of Him.
Jesus calls us to declutter our hearts, to make more space for Him, and to focus on the singularity of His purpose in our lives.
Less of the Mess, more of the Mess-age.
Less of Lamb-orghinis, more of the Lamb-of-God.
Less of Clutter, more of the ultimate Martyr.
Less of the Chase, more of His Embrace.
Less of Stress, more time in His Rest.
Less of Me, more of Thee.
Let this be our prayer and our pursuit as we live out simplicity in a world full of distractions. May our lives reflect more of Jesus and less of everything else.
Pastor Rufus Chan is Assistant Pastor at CCMC. This article is based on his sermon, "Less Is More," originally preached on March 16, 2025 as part of our Celebration Of Discipline Sermon Series. Watch the full sermon here.
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References
[1] Foster, Richard J. 1988. Celebration of Discipline. Harpersanfrancisco.
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