A Quiet Simple Life Means Facing the Truth and Reality

Over the years I’ve had readers become upset when I have talked about topics that they deemed not “quiet” or “simple” enough. I’ve always found this interesting because I think every topic is relevant when you are cultivating a quiet, simple life. I can’t think of anything that doesn’t have a potential impact – faith, money, culture, education, marriage, etc.

Living a quiet and simple life means removing the things that aren’t necessary. It is about being deliberate in our choices, choosing only what is best and fits with who God has created and called us to be. But the only way you can ruthlessly remove the unnecessary and deliberately choose what is best is to face the truth and understand reality.

Truth

We’re living in a time when the truth is obscured and ignored. Even those who are considered Christian leaders on both the national and local level are abandoning the truth. Rather than point people to the Truth using the lens of a biblical worldview, they opt to compromise. Rather than seeking God’s beauty in a sordid culture, they embrace the sordidness and even promote it as an alternative truth.

If we are going to live a quiet and simple life in obedience to God and His Word, then we need to look for the truth for ourselves. We need to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit who will not fail us even though human leaders do.

Reality

We’re living in a time when people are in denial about the reality of the many significant situations we currently face. Most people do not yet comprehend the magnitude of the years we are currently living through and will continue to live through for some time to come. They would rather think about the latest Netflix hit. Instead of thinking soberly about the reality of life both now and in the coming months and years, they distract themselves with meaningless (and often profane) entertainment.

Eventually, reality will come for them whether they are prepared for it or not.

May we not be among those who have denied the reality of the world in which we live. Instead, may we be the ones who gently and lovingly point people to truth and reality for their own good both now and for eternity.

Wisdom

God promises to give wisdom to those who ask for it.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

Seeking the truth and understanding the reality of life around us starts with acknowledging our need for the wisdom that only God can provide. And how does He provide it? Generously.

In my mind, no topic is off limits when it comes to living a quiet and simple life. We need wisdom for every aspect of life around us.

God has put us in a particular time and place in history for His good purposes. He has given each of us a circle of influence. It might be tiny. It might be large. But each of us has a purpose. We need to be wise, diligent, thoughtful, and deliberate each day.

A sacred regard to the authority of God ought to lead us to reject an error, however old, sanctioned by whatever authority, or however generally practiced. C. H. Spurgeon