Dirt Roads

But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12 ESV).

The Christian life is not complicated. But when we allow fearful thoughts to invade our lives, we suddenly find that they have turned into struggles. God’s wisdom is sure, uncomplicated, and unwavering. He never meant for the Thessalonians to be captured by doubt or the frantic pace of their society. Instead, the Lord wanted them to learn to live simply; He wanted them to be content. So the apostle writes to the Thessalonians to “make it their ambition to lead a quiet life” (v. 11). The picture of the dirt road through the farmland I’ve chosen today reminds me of that need of a simpler life. Living with godly simplicity does not equal inactivity. It is not an encouragement for mental or physical laziness. Simplicity, when it is handled properly, removes the noise and clutter that threaten to steal our sense of peace and intimacy with Christ. Here’s what Tozer writes: “Every age has its own characteristics. Right now we are in an age of religious complexity. The simplicity, which is in Christ, is rarely found among us. In its stead are programs, methods, organizations, and a world of nervous activities, which occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of the heart. The shallowness of our inner experience, the hollowness of our worship, and that servile imitation of the world which marks our promotional methods all testify that we, in this day, know God only imperfectly, and the peace of God scarcely at all.” The apostle tells them to remember what he taught them. I wish we had a manuscript of that lesson! In the absence of that, here are two principles that I have found both Scriptural and practical: First, be clear about the fact that our lives are more complex than they need to be. I am not advocating a monastic life; however, I’m sure with some intentional reevaluation we all could find some things that we could eliminate from our schedules. Be intentional about both your time and resources. Second, make decisions based on the context of genuine need. Sometimes that is more difficult than it might appear. I’ve found it easier when I put everything in the context of “need.” The next time you go to buy a second of anything, be serious and ask yourself, “Do I really need another one like the one I have?” This is the heart of real simplicity, which will lead you to contentment. This is the stroll down the dirt road, instead of speeding down the interstate. Give it a try!