Simplicity is to be focused on one intent purpose or one object of worship. To lack simplicity is to have a heart and mind that are deceived into perpetual distraction by every passing thing. Simplicity is wholehearted obedience and submission to the eternal and supreme reality of Christ's Kingdom and His righteousness. Falling short is a tragic bondage to idols that not only pass away themselves, but along with them absorb any useful and eternal potential implanted in the souls of man by God Himself. God calls us to discipleship with one voice. Everything else vies for our attention with a million deceptively alluring voices. To entertain these voices is to rob God of worship and steal away the purpose we were created for. To ignore the call of simplicity is a refusal to observe the eternal and unseen realities through faith, instead fancying whatever is set before one's eyes to covet and lust after.

Scripture challenges nearly every economic value of our society. Do our own views on the topic come in equal opposition to injustice, or do we more often conform, blend in and seek worldly comforts? Jesus declared war on materialism. As His disciples we are commended to do likewise. God more often makes use of those who are of no reputation or ability in the view of man so that God receives the glory, and not man. Those that store up wealth and status in this world receive their reward and pleasure here and now, with no reward in God's eternal Kingdom.

Asceticism, the renunciation of all material provision as though it was evil, is not the answer or equal to Biblical Simplicity. Forced poverty is evil. God blesses those who obey Him and those whom He chooses. These blessings are meant to be received with great joy, not rejected. Both the dismissal of Simplicity and the legalism of Asceticism are spiritually lethal.

May our attitude in plenty or in want be thus: "The Lord giveth and He taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!"