This past weekend we enjoyed a simple church men’s retreat here in Tennessee. Representatives from several different expressions came together to build relationships and hear God collectively.
One of the most impressive discussions of the weekend was on simplicity. Most that receive this news letter have some association with simple church (home church) or other alternative ministries. Many will admit that God is leading them to simplify “church” in their lives. But what about life itself? What about the daily grind that consumes most of our waking hours? At the retreat there was a mutual consent that God is calling us to unclutter our complex lives. My guess is that participants at the retreat would focus on different aspects of this issue. The more radical may view communal living as a eventual destination. The more conservative may just want to learn how to share (3-4 families sharing 1 garden tiller, etc). There seemed to be full agreement that debt, sense of entitlement, quest for “stuff”, are all enemies of simplicity. We are not talking about “self abasement” (making ourselves miserable) but rather a detox from destructive attitudes. My observation is that Contentment is a lost virtue of our culture. Paul indicates that contentment is learned behavior. I am convinced that God is going to educate us.
Phil. 4: 11-13 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
For more on the men’s retreat conversation check out my dear friends in Gallatin, Tn at http://theway247.blogspot.com/
looking forward,
mickey mooney
www.networkvine.org