Keep Your Life Simple

First, look at Jesus' counsel on the matter of wealth.  After counseling against making the pursuit of wealth the main thing in life, he made a startling expression.  He said:  "If, then, your eye is simple, your whole body will be bright." (Matthew 6:19-22)  Essentially, he said that if we avidly pursue wealth, power, or any other of the other goals people set for themselves, we will lose out on more important things.  After all, as Jesus said on another occasion, "even when a person has an abundance his life does not result from the things he possesses."  (Luke 12:15)  If we put first the things that are really important, such as our relationship with God, family concerns, and other related matters, then our "eye" will be simple," uncluttered.

Notice, Jesus was not advocating asceticism or extreme self-denial.  After all, Jesus himself was not an ascetic. (Matthew 11:19; John  2:1-11)  Rather, he taught that those who view life as little more than an opportunity to amass wealth essentially miss out on life.

Commenting on some who became very wealthy early in life,m a psychotherapist in San Francisco, U.S.A., said that for them money is  "the root of stress and confusion."  These people, he added, "buy two or three houses, a  car, spend money on stuff.  And when that hasn't done it for them [that is, made them happy], they become depressed, empty and uncertain  about what to do with their lives."

In contrast, those who heed Jesus' advice to lead a simpler life materially and to leave room for spiritual things are far more likely  to find real happiness. 

Tom, a builder  living in Hawaii, volunteered to help build places of worship  on Pacific islands where people have little materially.  Tom noticed something about these humble people. He said: "My Christian brothers and sisters in these islands were truly happy.  They helped me see more clearly that money and possessions are not the secret to happiness."  He also observed the volunteers who worked with him in the islands and noticed how contented they were.  "They could have made a lot of money," said Tom.  "But they chose to keep   spiritual things in  first place and maintain a simple life-style." Moved by these  examples, Tom simplified his own life so that he could devote more time to his family and to spiritual pursuits-a move he has never regretted.

Next time: Happiness and Self-Worth

The Watchtower, 2001