” Simplify”is the battle cry is an increasingly complicated world that is searching for happiness.

In their Minimalist Podcast and book “Love People, Use Things“, Josh Milbirn and Ryan Nicodemus preach the Gospel of minimalist living. “The Minimalists show you how to disconnect from our conditioned material state and reconnect to our true essence: love people and use things. This is not a book about how to live with less, but about how to live more deeply and more fully.“

I have read other articles on living small-things like mini-homes, being frugal, cutting waste, buying experiences rather than possessions, and leaving a low carbon footprint in all things. Everything from Dave Ramsey books to the Holy Scriptures values Simplicity. 

This was my actual pocket gear and it doesn’t speak of simplicity.  I never left the house without these items and is a symptom of my relying on my stuff. Do I really NEED two pocket knives?

The letter to the Thessalonians speaks strongly. “…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you” (1 Thessalonians 4:11)  Commanding it is fine but why not do it because it make for a simpler stronger faith and healthy living.

A wealthy entrepreneur divested all of his portable possessions except for 15 things.  He lived with AirBNB, Uber and ” a duffel bag that includes a “laptop, iPad, three sets of chinos, three T-shirts and a Ziploc bag filled with $4,000 worth of $2 bills.”.  That’s 10 of them (from the penney horder). What would you put in your bag if you had to carry everything you own?

Obviously this isn’t practical for most of us but the point is made; living simply means that your stuff works for you rather than you working for your stuff.  The question is a good one-what would you pack in your bag? 

1. A great backpack 2.wallet with all credentials and access codes. 3. Phone and charger.  4. A sturdy knife 5. 2-blue jeans 6. 3 plain button up shirts 7. Sturdy Lace up up boots 8. Athletic shoes. 9. Cash 10.  Ruger and ammo 11. The Big leatherman. And finally but firstly Faith.  

May sound corny to some. I have a bible on my phone and keep other emblems of faith handy. But a light weight double portion of faith, with the connections, strength and attitude that God gives is the most essential gear. How sad life would be if we only relied on our stuff. 

Less mechanical gear creates more space for the spiritual. This is where confident living begins.  Simplify…