Abundant Simplicity
We have forgotten our roots in Christianity; Jesus walked the earth preaching goodness, love, and simplicity. His only worldly possessions were the clothes on His back. Yet, He lacked for nothing. His relationships lack material possessiveness; and He invited us into the abundance of God’s presence.
In Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he writes, Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. But we have not done this. We are hypocrites throughout. We pay more to Amazon than we do to God. our quest for riches has turned us into a brood of vipers.
We consume our own flesh. Our government gives enormous riches to the already super rich, and in doing so, robs what little the poor have, taking away housing, well-paying jobs, and basic human rights, such as quality education and quality health care.
If I were an Old Testament prophet, I might write that God will strike down our kingdom and spread us far and wide for not following His way. He has sent a plague upon the land, taking our loved ones from us, separating us from family and friends. And nevermore shall our land rule the earth.
But I am not an Old Testament prophet; I am a retired mentor of youth, genuinely concerned about the world they are inheriting. Are there leaders among our youth who will bring us back to a more reasonable path that we can follow, which will emphasize abundant simplicity and not abundant material wealth? I can only pray that there are.
Meditating to Heal 