What is Biblical Minimalism?

What does the Bible say about minimalism?  The Bible does not speak directly about minimalism, but does mention the word money 140 times.

Biblical minimalism should be seen as a way to express gratefulness to God for the provisions received and remind themselves to give to those in need.  There is no biblical command to live the minimalist lifestyle.  The Bible does not speak against possessions or riches, its warnings are directed toward greed and the misuse of material wealth.

• Proverbs 17:16 NIV  “Why should a fool have money in his hand when he has no sense?”  Interpreted as ~ spending money foolishly isn’t biblical.
• Matthew 6:24 NIV  “No one can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will devote to one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and money!”  Interpreted as ~ Do not let money and pursuit of things take all of your attention.
• 1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV  “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it , but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”  Interpreted as ~ be content with what you have.
• Matthew 6:19-21 NASB  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Interpreted as ~ do not store up “stuff” which can take your attention away from God, because that is where the true treasure is.

The fact is that minimalism is not Christianity, you can still own stuff and follow Jesus.  The ideas behind minimalism are helpful for insuring where your heart truly is.  The idea of eliminating excess from your life allows you to create space for a meaningful relationship with Jesus.  Take the time to analyze the “stuff” you’ve already acquired, and see if you have it for the right reasons.  Realize that your identity is not tied to the stuff you own.  Your identity should be in your relationships, experiences, and Jesus Christ.