In my country, there’s a common saying that implies our spiritual life affects our physical life. Simply put, what is inside us is reflected in what we show outside. While some might not agree, I wholeheartedly agree with this.
If our spiritual practices don’t align with our minimalist practices, it would be quite challenging to practice minimalism. For me, my spiritual beliefs deeply align with minimalism, making it an easy choice.
As a Christian, my spiritual practices are based on Jesus Christ. Being a Christian means being “Christ-like”, following Jesus’s footsteps and his way of doing things. My belief centers on looking to Jesus, the author of my faith.
Jesus's lifestyle was so simple, and a true minimalist. In many ways, His life and teachings often emphasised spreading love, living minimally and worrying less.
In fact, I can boldly say that part of Christianity involves minimalism; they go hand in hand. This relationship between my spiritual beliefs and my minimalist nature has shaped who I am today and positively impacted me.
If you want to practice Christianity, you need to know how to practice minimalism. Why? Even Jesus said, “…Sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me.”
The Bible is specific on how pursuit of the worldly possessions doesn’t add value to our lives and only causes worry.
In my last post, I talked about my top three reasons for choosing minimalism, and I will be relating them to my spiritual beliefs.
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Clear space=clear mind
A decluttered space is always a nice place to dwell, and I find it wholesome to have the Holy Spirit dwell with you in a clear space. The Bible doesn’t specifically talk about decluttering your space, but in some ways, it does speak about keeping your environment simple.
“Let all things be done decently and in order” ~1 Corinthians 14:40.
Many words from the Bible inspire me to keep a clutter-free space. Also, there are always no distractions when it comes to spending time with God and reading the bible, it improves my focus and mediation with God.
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Peace and contentment
My spiritual life has a big impact on this. I once heard this somewhere, “Results have shown that people who believe in God, gods or something higher than themselves have more happiness” I don’t know if this is true. For me, this is true.
I really don’t think I would have the peace I have without my belief in God through Christ. I didn’t use to feel the peace I now have before building my spiritual life. But the peace I have found in Christ passes all understanding.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ” ~ Philipians 4:7
Many things keep me at peace. First, when I have God what more can I ask for? If he says he is with me, what else can trouble me? So why shouldn’t I be at peace? The promises of the Bible keep me at peace and make me worry less.
Also, I believe my home is not here on earth; my focus is not on earthly possessions. “where your treasure is, there your heart will be”. I worry less because my treasure isn’t on earth. The heavenly joy keeps me at peace.
The Bible also speaks about contentment in various ways. I am always contented because I know God’s plan for me is a good one.
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” ~ Philipians 4:11
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Focusing on the present and gratitude.
I always try to enjoy every moment of my day, because it is the day the Lord has made, and I will be glad and rejoice in it. I make sure not to be overwhelmed with distractions and worries so that I can appreciate the moments God has given to me.
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” ~ Matthew 6:34.
Gratitude is one of the attributes God loves; a grateful heart receives from God. I am always grateful for the favours I have received and those I didn’t. I am grateful for the opportunity found and the opportunity lost, the lessons and the growth. Gratitude nurtures my soul and keeps me positive.
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
I grew up in a strong Christian home and all these influenced me to be a natural minimalist. The bible is broad, and part of it leans towards minimalism. In a nutshell, my spiritual beliefs deeply relate to my minimalist nature and strengthen it.