Abundant Minimalism

Even though I strive to be a minimalist, I’d say there’s a problem with minimalism! Because like hoarding, minimalism focuses on possessions – just from a different perspective. It’s not that material possessions are necessarily bad. I mean, who doesn’t like a warm, comfy bed? But it’s also because God delights in blessing us. He does not enjoy seeing people suffer or go without necessities.

When stuff becomes a problem

Stuff becomes a problem when we focus too much on it. Whether our goal is to have more and more or to minimize as much as possible, it’s a problem. This causes us to base our satisfaction and happiness on how much or how little we have. Things then begin to own us instead of us owning them.

Christ teaches abundance

Christ taught abundance. He lived it, practised it, and gave abundantly to others. By observing His life, we discover the secret to living an abundant and meaningful life. A minimal life, but one that is abundant and overflowing with generosity.

Christ taught abundance. He lived it, He practiced it, and He gave generously to others. By observing His life, we discover the secret to living an abundant and meaningful life. And what we discover is a minimalist life, yet one that is rich and overflowing with generosity.

Abundant minimalism

In short, I’d say that Christ practised abundant minimalism. He didn’t have much — not even a place to lay His head. Yet He lived the most abundant life ever, and He wanted His followers to live in abundance too.

Ask, He taught, because God the Father wants to bless you. He wants you to have a good life. An abundant life with everything you need, and enough to share with others.

3 ways to have God’s abundant minimal life

1. Don’t hoard

Although Christ had little, He did not teach against having possessions; he only taught only against hoarding.

He taught that, although God wants to give us good things, they should not be our focus. Food, clothing, and everything else we need to live are all good, but they don’t last. They wear out and can be stolen. That’s why Christ tells us to seek eternal treasures. Those are the true riches.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

2. Become a good steward

Christ was deeply grateful for what He had. He cherished God’s gifts and strove to make good use of them. He knew that all He possessed on this earth came from His Father and that He was merely the steward of these gifts.

He even collected the leftover fish and bread after meals. He saw every morsel as a gift from his Father’s hands. He viewed them as provisions to be enjoyed, safeguarded, and shared with others, rather than wasted.

When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”

John 6:12

3. Give generously

Christ gave, and gave and gave. He kept on giving until He had nothing left to give. And yet He continues to give from heaven, and will continue to do so. And that’s what He teaches us to do as well. “Give,” He says. “Give and don’t hoard.”

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Luke 6:38

So what’s the problem with minimalism?

There really isn’t a problem as long as we don’t focus too much on our possessions. The problem arises when we focus excessively on acquiring or eliminating material goods. When we attach excessive importance to material goods, they can overtake our hearts and cause us to lose our spiritual balance.

God delights in blessing us. As long as we remember that we are merely stewards of His blessings, we can become channels of blessing to others. Then, like Him, we can continue giving, because His supply never runs out!

That’s the secret to true abundant living.

Like Christ’s earthly life, it means living a simple life, but one that is, at the same time, full and rich.

Christ had little, not even a place to lay His head. Yet He lived the most abundant life ever. He cared abundantly, gave abundantly, blessed abundantly, forgave abundantly, and loved abundantly. Through his life and teachings, He showed us that true abundance lies in giving rather than holding on to things!

I will continue to strive for a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle because it brings me peace. However, I want a minimalist life that overflows with Christ’s abundance. I want a life that reaches into God’s endless supply so that I will always have plenty to share with others! What can you find among your abundant blessings that you share with someone today?

📷 Image credits: Bowls | Grain in hands.