The Minimalist Homeنموونە

Bearing Fruit

A minimalist life is a mission-forward life. That mission may be “big”—daring, visible, attention grabbing. But it doesn’t have to be. Things that seem “small” can be big in impact too if you do them in love and humility. 

If we’re attentive, we’ll glimpse a greater peak in the distance—one we may not have seen when we began this journey of minimalism. It’s a purpose beyond ourselves. A purpose bigger than ourselves. One that’s worthy of the life we’ve been given to live. 

For some, this purpose is centered on their family: their spouse, kids, parents, or other relatives. 

For others, this may be a specific cause: the homeless, the environment, animals, children, people with disabilities, or something else. 

Still others might discover that in their career or work they are able to find greater purpose by serving others and not merely earning a paycheck. 

God has a role for each of us in building his kingdom. What passion burns within you? What opportunities present themselves? What needs do you have the ability to meet? 

Enjoy the personal rewards of minimizing your home, by all means. But go further to look for and attach yourself to purposes outside yourself. 

Just as minimalism makes us contrarian in the way we approach material ownership, it makes us different in the way we approach our pursuit of goals. Whether we are checking off a bucket-list item (climbing Mount Kilimanjaro), making the transition to a different lifestyle (leaving the office to sell homemade crafts online), or leading a crusade to bring some kind of service to humanity (fighting child abuse), we do it not for applause but because it’s a good thing in itself.

And I hope we do it while exhibiting such virtues as compassion, wisdom, prudence, modesty, fairness, and humor. These are the kinds of virtues we draw nearer to when we spurn materialism’s harsher values of greed, acquisitiveness, and showing off. As we grow closer to God through letting go of the stuff that can distract us from His calling, we recognize the fruits of the Spirit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  

I believe minimalism will change everything for my children and for multitudes from their generation in nations all around the world. 

May it do the same for you, starting today. 

How would you describe God’s calling on your life?