Ultimately becoming a minimalist is about simplifying your life. In my first post in this series I wrote about the importance of contentment (Phil 4:11) and being satisfied with what you already have, In part 2 I emphasized that less is more and it really is possible to get by with less than what you think you need. In this post I want to share some practical guidelines for helping you to live a simplified life:

1. Stop buying non-necessities. Think twice before you make a purchase or implement a waiting period. Sure it’s great to get a good deal at 60% off the list price but if you don’t need it don’t buy it.

2. Simplify your schedule. Our schedules can become so cluttered we don’t have time to rest or reflect. Jim Eliot said it well, “Be on guard, my soul of complicating your environment so that you have neither time nor room for growth.”

3. Simplify your paperwork. We are drowning in a sea of clutter and we lose the ability to properly prioritize. When that happens is my fear is that we’ll succeed at doing something that doesn’t really matter. Here’s my rule for handling mail (including email, electronic clutter can be even worse):
 Do it
 Delay it (perhaps more information is needed or it’s part of a bigger project)
 Delegate it (you need to focus on doing what only you can do)
 Dump it (self explanatory – there is a certain joy about clearing out the in basket)

4. Simply your mind. If a thought or a task to do comes have a place to record it. It can be stressful to have your mind cluttered with all of the things you must do. Writing them down and developing a plan can be extremely helpful.

5. Find joy by doing rather than owning. As a family we like to collect common experiences rather than “stuff”. Will Rogers said, “Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like” – don’t fall into that trap.

6. Continually de-clutter. You must realize that it’s a continual process. Ask yourself these questions:
 Have I used it recently?

 Do I really need it?

 Can I live without it?
My biggest fear is that just after I get rid of it is that I’ll need it. It’s happened – life goes on, it’s not the end of the world, but my life is much simpler.

Do I really believe the truth of 2 Corinthians 12:9, “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me” – yes, His grace is sufficient for me! We must learn to live simply so that others may simply live. May God grant you a life that is stripped of the unnecessary so you have room for that which gives you joy.