In Matthew 6:19-24 Jesus gives his followers a test to evaluate their priorities. This is the way the test goes:  wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be. It’s a test. Do you want to know whom you are serving? Do you want to know what you’re invested in? Then look where you put your time. Where do you put your money? That’s who your master is.

Richard J. Foster, in his book Celebration of Discipline, lists ten biblical principles for living out inward simplicity. He cautions becoming legalistic with these principles.

1. Buy things for their usefulness and not their status.

2. Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you.

3. Develop a habit of giving things away.

4. Refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry.

5. Learn to enjoy things without owning them.

6. Develop a deeper appreciation for the creation.

7. Look with a healthy skepticism at all “buy now”, “pay later” schemes.

8. Obey Jesus’ instruction about plain, honest speech.

9. Reject anything that breeds the oppression of others.

10. Shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the kingdom of God.

Final thought:  what is the time and investment you have in stuff compared to how much time and investment you have in relationships with God and others? I think that’s a thought worthy of more thought. — Ken Darnell