How to Find Contentment in Simplicity

by Lester Rennard

Since my early years of youth, I have enjoyed the study of philosophy especially in those areas having to do with logic, maxims and truisms. I have also created a few philosophical statements of my own as I observe life, human nature, the natural world and the way things are. One that is relevant to the topic of this article states that, 'One of the greatest achievements of humanity is our ability to complicate simplicity'. I believe that the business of living was meant to be simple but we have made our lives more complex than what is really warranted.

A few years ago, I spoke to a group on the topic of how to simplify our lives. While contemplating the topic in preparation for my delivery, I was moved to think of how simple life was meant to be. I thought of how much less stress we would encounter and how much easier it would be for us to live at peace with ourselves and with others. In considering a life of simplicity, one biblical writer stated that "godliness with contentment is great gain" and that he has determined that in whatever state he is in, he has learned to be contented.

The goal for a life of simplicity is to commit to living a healthy life free from worry and unnecessary cares by choosing to live within one's means and not having to measure up to the materialistic standards and expectations of others. It requires the discipline of having all decisions and choices based on your values rather than by any other standards not compatible with your ideals. This goal will also translate into avoiding unnecessary debts and the desire for obtaining things for the purpose of attempting to impress others.

Contentment does not mean that one should avoid striving for excellence or settling for mediocrity. The values by which we choose to build our lives should be based upon the foundation of excellence. This passion for excellence means that I will prepare myself to become what God designed and intended for me to be. By setting realistic goals for his or her life, one will be able to accomplish whatever he or she determines to be appropriate while not being weighted down with discontent.

The fact that our world is shrinking very fast into what appears to be one global interconnected village does not necessarily mean that things may be getting simpler. There are more choices and appeals for us to acquire whatever we desire and deal with the costs and consequences later. If one were to blindly succumb to this kind of prodding without having first built a foundation, the consequences would far outweigh the benefits.

Contentment in simplicity, therefore, requires that one be realistic about life and its demands, refuse to live by the materialistic standards and expectations of others, strive for excellence in whatever one does, avoid the debt trap, be always thankful and be at peace with one's self, God and fellowmen.