Simplicity...
We live in a very needy and a very greedy world. Every time we watch or read the news from around the world, we see unbelievable needs of people who have so little. We also see the impact in our world of the unbelievable greed of people as well. We are a world obsessed with consumption and I am not an innocent observer.
Our spiritual discipline for July is "simplicity". What a challenge in a complex modern world! I think the elusive (and sometimes romanticized) goal of a "simple" life is unattainable in the western world in which we live - and maybe a wrong goal. A better goal may be for each one of us to add the "r" and move toward a "simpler" life. We can all (both corporately and individually) make small and large decisions toward a simpler lifestyle.
In Deut 8:11-19, the people of Israel are warned about the dangers of becoming too comfortable in a time of abundance. Luke 12 points us to an attitude toward possessions that is free of preoccupation and anxiety, with a generous spirit to those in need.
The simpler life seems to me, stepping from an inward focus of self and consumption to an outward focus - to notice and and take time to care - about God, his creation, and especially people. This is a kingdom focus that will impact how we spend our time, what (and for whom) we buy, and how we notice and care for the truly important things of our world. May God move us to a place of contentment in all situations, trusting that he will supply all of our needs (Phil 4:11-13). This is simplicity in a complex world.