True Simplicity

There’s a strong force in my will coming up against a sliver of a desire in my heart for humility. This force beckons me to seemingly better things. It taunts and tantalizes my senses with false promises of increased happiness. The thing is, I’m so used to it that I unwittingly succumb to its powers. It’s the teasing of unrequited, potential treasures found in the upgrade. Yes, the ability to upgrade.

And it’s everywhere. I can’t escape it. While it is permissible, at times, it is not beneficial especially with the pursuit of being conformed to Christ is taking place. Simply enough, the tangible efforts to better my surroundings, meal times, communication and overall happiness are in the balance.

For example, if my engaged roommate’s wedding date arrives surely I should call dibs on the bigger and better room available. Or if I’m enjoying a delicious bread bowl of soup, certainly a dollar upgrade to enjoy a sugary treat is acceptable anytime. Oddly enough, should my cell phone features after two years of faithful service become stunningly antiquated a slight fee will, yes, upgrade me to the up-to-date options available to the rest of the west. If suddenly I’m making six figures instead of five, I can finally move out of middle class suburbia and upgrade to a house by the lake. If a burst of increases comes an upgrade to a fifteen inch Mac Pro is obvious so that I can ditch the dinky ten inch net book I’ve been embarrassingly carting around.

But should I give in? Should I indulge every single desire of opportunity that passes before my eyes? If my wages increase, should my standard of living also rise? There’s so many options, so many opportunities. Upgrades are ingrained in our culture. Sometimes it isn’t even an option, but an obvious.

The rich increase their wealth while the poor remain stricken. Churches close their doors for lack of funding while bars and clubs continually re-open with remodeled interiors.

Simplicity is missing. Choosing to bypass the upgrade and remain with the initial decision isn’t foolishness. You may disagree, but God doesn’t. For in fact, should wages increase so should giving extravagantly to the poor and needy in the name of Jesus.

It’s not one size fits all either. Simplicity is based upon a case by case, calling by calling basis. Yet it needs to be regarded as important. The decision to buy the new, trendy kitchen table or keep the old, sturdy and reliable one is proposed or give the excess money to a missionary in need.

Knowing that this life is but a vapor. It’s only seventy years, eighty by strength. The treasure acquired here will not last, it becomes rust, eaten by moths and stolen by envious thieves. Sow into what truly lasts, the Spirit. Give unto what is much greater than an invitation to better oneself. Make choices that no one else may see, but what the Lord shall one day reveal in front of many. Small acts that separate salt and light from plain and dark.