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Peace, justice & simple living
by Tom Beutel
March 17, 2009
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 My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 (NRSV)
Is it possible that the very real problems with the world economy are in some sense God's grace? Could the loss of wealth and income and the resultant downsizing of our daily lives be a means toward a fuller, richer life with God, each other and the rest of creation? Perhaps we can understand the words of James given above better as we consider how current economic problems may, in the long run, contribute to human well-being.
First, we must acknowledge that there is real suffering resulting from the current economic problems world-wide. Any consideration of God's grace or human benefit must be approached in this context. We cannot be insensitive to the fact that people are losing their jobs and homes, and are in great need. However, it is also in this context that we may begin to see how the current situation may ultimately contribute to human well-being.
Two things come to mind. As we experience need ourselves or through close family or friends, we may have our eyes opened to the fact that there are always people in need, often through no real fault of their own, and that we need to be aware of this fact and act to help meet their needs. Also, the need to "downsize" our lifestyles to live within our new, reduced means, may help us to see and understand the benefits of living simply.
The Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective <http://www.mcusa-archives.org/library/resolutions/1995/index.html> addresses this concept in two separate articles. Article 17: Discipleship and the Christian Life <http://www.mcusa-archives.org/library/resolutions/1995/1995-17.html> states, "True faith means seeking first the reign of God in simplicity, rather than pursuing materialism." A more extensive statement appears in Article 21: Christian Stewardship <http://www.mcusa-archives.org/library/resolutions/1995/1995-21.html>:
As stewards of God's earth, we are called to care for the earth and to bring rest and renewal to the land and everything that lives on it. As stewards of money and possessions, we are to live simply, practice mutual aid within the church, uphold economic justice, and give generously and cheerfully. As persons dependent on God's providence, we are not to be anxious about the necessities of life, but to seek first the kingdom of God. We cannot be true servants of God and let our lives be ruled by desire for wealth.
Note in both articles the idea of simplicity or simple living as opposed to a lifestyle devoted to and encumbered by an excess of money or material possessions. Article 16 <http://www.mcusa-archives.org/library/resolutions/1995/1995-16.html> makes the connection between our lifestyle and our discipleship. Echoing Jesus' exhortation in Matthew 6:24,
"No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
The emphasis in Article 16 makes clear that our lifestyle decisions are a matter of faithfulness. Either we "serve" wealth or we serve God. Either we look to our possessions for security, fulfillment, and joy or we look to God for these. Jesus says that it is not possible to do both.
In the boom times of the past decade or so, many may have been tempted to put their hope and trust in their 401K, the appreciated value of their home, or their paycheck. Now, as workers are laid off, mortgages are foreclosed, and home values decrease, these same people are fearful and without hope. It is abundantly clear that following wealth has not worked.
Article 21 puts the matter of simple living into a broader context. Even though the article is about stewardship, the paragraph quoted above makes it clear that simple living is not only a matter of stewardship, but also a matter of economic justice and peace.
Peace as shalom is characterized by healthy, right relationships with God, self, others and the creation. Simple living relates to peace with God as we acknowledge not only our dependence on him for all things, but also express gratitude for his more than sufficient provision. We are at peace with God with regard to our material well-being when we are content with basic needs, rather than striving after ever-increasing wealth.
Peace within ourselves is nurtured as we "do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or ... what you will wear...[b]ut strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:25, 33). Right relationship with others is established as we live modestly, consuming only what we need, allowing others to do the same or sharing our abundance with those in need. The oft-quoted saying of Mahatma Ghandi, "Live simply that others may simply live" captures the essence of how simple living contributes to a right relationship with others.
Finally, overconsumption depletes the earth of its resources, pollutes water and air, destroys habitat for other creatures, and is, ultimately, not sustainable. Simple living seeks to live within the earth's systems that God created, taking and replenishing, faithfully carrying out God's first instructions to humans to "till...and keep" the garden (Genesis 2:15).
There are many sources of information on simple living; the following links may serve as a starting point.
Living More with Less by Doris Janzen Longacre. The description of this book at <http://www.mennolink.org/books/morewithless.html> states that "Doris Janzen Longacre provides a pattern for living with less and a wealth of practical suggestions from around the world in chapters on money, clothing, homes, transportation and travel, celebrations, and recreation." The link also describes several other simple living books, including two cookbooks Simply in Season and the More-With-Less Cookbook.
The Simple Living Network provides links and information related to simple living. See the website at <http://www.simpleliving.net>
Alternatives for Simple Living focuses on "equipping people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly, and celebrate responsibly: <http://www.simpleliving.org/>
Mother Earth News frequently includes articles giving practical tips for simple living: <http://www.motherearthnews.com/> --search for "simple living."
The Simplicity Resource Guide: <http://www.gallagherpress.com/pierce/>
Simple Living America: <http://simplelivingamerica.blogspot.com/>
As Christians we are called to be peacemakers and to live peacefully in all aspects of our lives. While it sometimes seems out of reach to be a peacemaker in the "big problems" of our world, simple living is one aspect of peacemaking in which all can participate. As we learn to live more simply, we will experience the freedom and the joy of God's abundant provision and will be able to share that abundance with others. Perhaps we can use the opportunity provided by difficult economic times to embrace a simpler lifestyle ourselves and share with others the "good news" of simple living.
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