John Coonrod (executive vp of The Hunger Project) and his wife Carol were practicing The Power of Half long before the Salwen’s began their family journey. He and Carol live on half their income, at one time being the largest supporters of the very organization for which they labor. In his conversation with the Salwen’s as they determined which group through which to channel their funds, he said, “…there is a voluntary simplicity that is not a sacrifice but a choice of freedom.”
A voluntary simplicity; you have to love that phrase. I believe that’s exactly what Jesus meant when He advised us to trust God instead of mammon. Or what Paul meant when he said that no soldier got so entangled with the affairs of this world that he couldn’t respond to his commander. Or James, when he warned against the dangers of riches. A voluntary simplicity…a choice of freedom.
Admittedly, many are living simply because they have no other choice. The economy, the job market, family crises, or some other factor has put them in an economic funk. But for most, the call of the culture is to keep growing the size of our bank account, the square footage of our homes, the number of our accumulations. It’s what many call “The New Normal.” Houses grow, activities grow, techno-toys grow. We accumulate. We even think we own our stuff–but too often, it owns us.
Voluntary simplicity leaves you with disposable resources. Voluntary simplicity allows you to be generous on the spur of the moment. Voluntary simplicity makes you mobile enough to do whatever God calls you whenever God calls you. Can you imagine Abraham, or Moses, or Paul saying to God, “Sorry, I’ll have to find someone to tend the yard, watch the house, keep the car batteries charged up…”?
Just what could you live on? I mean, if you were really serious about being simple? Could you live on 10% less? 20% ? Half? What might happen to your spiritual life if you did? What might be different in your family? In our congregation? In your community of friends?
