Minimalism is so much more than simply living with as little as possible and constantly decluttering! My experience as both a minimalist and a Christian is that the two can very much go hand in hand. However, as Christians, we need to be very careful about our mindset towards a minimalist lifestyle. Here are is how you can practice biblical minimalism as a Christian and how the two can go hand in hand.
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How is Minimalism Biblical?
First of all, I wouldn’t say that the minimalist trend in itself is specifically biblical. However, there are many aspects of a minimalist lifestyle that are. Let’s take a look at Matthew 6:19-21:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth or rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”.
Here we can see very clearly that we must not be focused on storing up treasures and materialistic things here on earth. Rather, we should place our focus on God and our life in heaven, which is eternal. This does not mean that we can’t like things or have things we love! It also doesn’t mean that if you aren’t a minimalist you are doing something wrong or unbiblical.
Minimalism & Christianity
As Christians, we need to constantly check our hearts and lives and ask ourselves, “Is my life aligning with what the word says?”. Minimalism can be a very good thing and help us not to become attached to materialistic items. It can also get to our heads and leave us feeling prideful. Just because you are a minimalist does not make you better than anyone else. It doesn’t make you a better Christian or a better person. If you are detaching yourself from materialism, yet boasting in your self righteousness as a minimalist, you aren’t doing yourself any good.
Personally, I love living a minimalist lifestyle because it reduces my stress, helps me stay organized, and less obsessed with consumerism. However, I still buy things that I like and I am not OBSESSED with extreme minimalism. Just like anything else, minimalism can become an idol in our hearts if we aren’t careful.
Hoarding Items
Another thing that comes to mind is people who store up all those “just in case” items. The people who are afraid of letting go of things because they feel they might need it later. The bible clearly tells us in Matthew 6:25:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”.
Matthew 6:25
This clearly tells us that we shouldn’t worry about our possessions or storing up those just in case items. God always provides us with what we need as his Children. He might not abundantly bless us all the time, but we can be sure that he will provide what we need.
Practicing Biblical Minimalism
So, how do we practice biblical minimalism? I don’t like placing any set rules when it comes to minimalism (I think it depends on everyone’s situation, preferences, and goals). However, if you are a Christian trying to navigate through this whole minimalism thing, just remember to place God first above all things. Never rely on your own self-righteousness, but set your eyes on Him who gives us all things.
If you struggle with materialism, minimalism is a great way to learn how to let go of things and trust in the Lord. Minimalism can also be a great way to free up time and space that you can now use to study your Bible or spend time with Jesus.
Minimalism also offers us a new perspective in a materialistic world. Growing up, I always thought success meant having a lot of nice, expensive things. It was my ultimate goal even going through college. However, I realized that God does not call us to be “successful”, he calls us to be obedient. Minimalism helps you realize that all the material things of the world can never satisfy your soul. Only God can do that.
Final Thoughts
So while having a lot of things isn’t exactly a sin or even a bad thing, it can easily become a bad thing if we become too attached or obsessed with having these things. Obviously, not all Christians are or consider themselves minimalists. However, I think it’s very obvious the bible warns us about our earthly possessions, and how we need to guard our hearts and place our faith in Him.
Related: How to Find Your Self Worth & Confidence Through Christ
Thanks so much for reading! I would love to hear your thoughts on minimalism and Christianity. Do you think they go hand in hand? Why or why not?
Sincerely,
Denise XOXO
