10 Things the Bible Says About Simple Living
Are you feeling pressure to keep up with the Joneses? Or, in today’s terms, the Kardashians? If you’re like most people, social media doesn’t help. It’s easy to compare our lives to others and feel like we don’t measure up. But is that how we’re meant to live? Should we constantly compare ourselves to others? What does the Bible say about simple living?
Here are 10 verses to encourage you so you don’t feel like you have to Keep up with the Kardashians.
Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
I love this verse about simple living because it’s about running our own race and not keeping up with our neighbor. We should fix our eyes on Jesus and not worry about what others are doing. Our walk is our walk. It is for no one else to carry.
No need to look around and yearn for the things our neighbor has or that girl on social media or on our team. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus, He has joy set before us in a world that isn’t so focused on material things.
1 Timothy 6:6-7
“6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
We are only here on earth for a short time, and we can’t take anything with us when we go. This verse encourages us to focus on godliness and being content in our lives instead of accumulating material possessions. We should focus on living a life that is pleasing to God and not worry about what other people have or don’t.
Luke 12:15
“15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.””
This verse is a reminder that life does not consist of having an abundance of possessions. It does not matter how much money we have or what kind of things we own, it will never make us truly happy or give us true contentment. We should be wise with our money and possessions and use them to serve God’s purpose instead of using them to make ourselves look better.
It’s okay to have and make money and to like nice things. But what else is that money being used for? Are you donating it? Paying a full tithe? This is a conversation I have with my team all the time. What would your church be able to do if you had abundance and were tithing faithfully? What could your favorite charity do if they had the resources they needed?
There is nothing wrong with abundance. But be sure it is used to serve God’s purpose, not your own.
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
29 What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 30 those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
This verse speaks of living a life that is not focused on the material things of this world. We should not be so engrossed in those things that we forget our purpose here on earth, which is to serve and glorify God. The time here on earth is short. Let’s use it wisely and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
It’s really easy to be so consumed with our stuff that we forget how to focus on the things that truly matter. Let’s be intentional with our time and money, serve others, and fix our eyes on Jesus instead of following the latest trends and buying stuff just to keep up with the Joneses. Living simply will bring us true joy and contentment in life.
Philippians 4:8
“8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
This verse reminds us to focus on the good in our lives and think about things that bring us joy. There can be a lot of negativity and comparison in life, so take some time each day to focus on the positive things. Appreciate your blessings, count them one by one, and don’t let yourself get wrapped up in materialistic things.
Ecclesiastes 4:6
“Better one handful with tranquillity
than two handfuls with toil
and chasing after the wind.”
This verse encourages us to seek tranquility and contentment in life. We shouldn’t chase after material possessions or things that won’t last, but focus on what truly matters. There is nothing wrong with working hard and earning money, but don’t let it consume you or keep you from pursuing peace and joy in life.
We’ve seen how fleeting things can be, especially in this economy. You can work so hard for something and in an instant it can be gone. So, enjoy the simple pleasures in life, and don’t let material possessions consume you. Do not let them be your whole identity.
Try to seek peace and happiness in things that last, such as relationships with people, serving God, and investing in the kingdom of Heaven. Those are things that will truly bring you a life of abundance.
Galatians 1:10
“10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
This verse reminds us that our ultimate aim should be to please God and not people. Don’t let the opinions of others dictate how you live your life. Seek approval from God only and make sure everything you do is pleasing to Him. Let’s strive to pursue righteousness, joy and peace in this world, instead of getting caught up in materialistic things.
We cannot serve two masters. Either we serve God or we serve the world. So, let’s not be consumed by the things of this world and its temporary pleasures. Let’s use our time wisely and focus on what truly matters – living a life that brings honor to God and serves others. That is where we will find true joy and lasting contentment.
Luke 12:32-34
“32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
The Bible encourages us to store up our treasures in heaven instead of focusing on the things of this world. It reminds us that it is not wrong to have possessions and make money, but we should never let those be the main focus of our lives. We should seek after eternal rewards and things that last forever – like helping others and investing in God’s kingdom.
Let us strive to be content with what God has given us and not live for the temporary pleasures of this world. Let us use our blessings wisely, and make every effort to seek true joy and lasting contentment in life. That is where we will find true fulfillment and peace.
Matthew 6:33
“33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This verse reminds us that if we focus on seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness, all other things will be added to us. We should seek spiritual riches. These are the things that last forever and will give us true joy.
We don’t need to worry about the temporary things in life because God will provide for all of our needs when we seek Him first.
Colossians 3:1-2
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
I love this verse. It reminds us of our eternal destination and that our treasures are not here. We are to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Jesus calls us to put earthly things aside and instead focus our hearts and minds on heavenly pursuits that bring glory and honor to our Lord.
We can do this by living out His words and actions, showing love to all people, being faithful in prayer, reading Scripture daily, attending church regularly, looking for ways to serve others, and spending more time in His presence.
When we have our hearts set on things above, the obstacles of this world seem so much smaller and we are able to live with joy, peace, and purpose. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and remember that our future is secure no matter what life brings.
With the peace and assurance that our lives are in Christ’s hands, let us take up our crosses daily and live for Him.
It can be easy to get caught up in the things of this world, but we must remember that our ultimate goal is to live for Christ and seek after His righteousness. Let us turn away from materialistic pursuits and instead focus on what truly matters – living a life that brings honor to God and serves others. When we do this, true joy and lasting contentment will follow. As we strive each day to pursue righteousness, joy, peace, and eternal rewards let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus- He alone gives us security no matter what comes our way.
May these 10 Bible verses encourage you as you choose not to Keep Up with the Kardashians!
