The Discipline of Simplicity (Richard Foster)

This is #13 in a series of blogs by PJ on Finances & Giving.

In his book entitled “Celebration of Discipline”, Richard Foster encourages us to adopt the discipline of simplicity.  Here is a summary of part of his teaching:

1. We must learn to buy things for their usefulness, rather than for status. Goods are to be purchased for their functionality and not the name brand they carry, or the extra features they espouse.  Resist the temptation to buy the most feature-full model.  Rather, only buy those things that you need.
2. Reject anything that produces an addiction in you. Ask yourself the question: ‘Is this thing going to add value to my life, or will it enslave me?’  Be a slave only to God.
3. Develop a habit of giving things away.  De-accumulate. Give away those things which are surplus to your needs and which may be useful to others.  Don’t sell these items. When you give, you break the power of Mammon, and more importantly, you deposit in your heavenly account.  The return on this account is multiplied for the rest of your life.
4. Don’t be sucked in by the lure of modern gadgetry and be careful of Tele-ads, where it is so easy to buy – just pick up the phone! Mammon uses advertising to captivate our minds, so beware of these attractions.
5. Learn to enjoy things without owning them. You can stay with friends in their homes and admire and enjoy their home without feeling that you have to own one just like it.
6. Develop a deeper appreciation for God’s creation.  If you go to the sea, you can really enjoy it without having to buy a new jet-ski or a power boat.  If you go to the mountains, you don’t need the latest climbing and camping gear, – stop, smell the grass, listen to the birds, admire the flowers.
7. Watch out for the ‘buy-now, pay later’ syndrome.  If you find yourself continuing to buy beyond your means to repay out of your current salary, then cut up your credit card.  It is much easier to walk away from something if you don’t have a credit card yelling to be swiped through some machine.  Don’t use tomorrow’s money today, because there may not be any money tomorrow to meet your obligations.
8. Reject anything that will breed oppression of others or is at the expense of others. It might be an opportunity for advancement in your company, which will only become a reality if someone else is taken out of the running. Avoid the temptation of discrediting an opponent. If you have to step on someone to succeed, rather walk away.
9. Shun whatever would distract you from your main goal – seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Be accountable to someone with regard to all your financial dealings. This kind of open transparency can be very liberating. Don’t be afraid to do this but make sure the person to whom you become accountable is someone who is trustworthy, and full of the Spirit and wisdom.