![]() But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. ![]() ![]() I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. With this particular verse (and many others on this list!), the posture of the heart towards an object is the cause of disconnection and destruction - not the object itself. I also want to add that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” has an entirely different meaning than “money is the root of all evil” (SPOILER: the former is the actual verse). Yet I would argue the Bible as a whole paints a pretty clear picture about God’s opinion on these subjects. Each excerpt plays a role in a larger story, whether in the Old or New Testament. But that also means I fail time and time again.Īnother quick disclaimer: I realize that a list of Bible verses plucked from their pages can do a great disservice to the oh-so-important player in biblical teaching: Context™. I am consistently working on practicing contentment (that’s why it’s a “practice”) and focusing my attention on heavenly things. His very life was simple - and he spoke clearly about money, most notably in the Sermon on the Mount (specifically in the second half of Matthew 6).Īnd don’t be fooled - my gathering of these verses in no way means I have them all figured out or mastered. While he never uses the term “minimalism” or anything remotely resembling the buzz words of today, Jesus’ teachings clearly reflect the overall messaging of this movement. Over and over again, the scriptures warn against greed and a love for money and material things - and simultaneously encourage contentment, trust in God, and a deliberate focus on the eternal. But a life filled with contentment is so clearly outlined in the Bible that it’s hard to ignore. ![]() My faith is one of the main reasons I choose to live a simpler life. ![]()
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