He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8, NASB

Have you ever seen the YouTube channel "Bushradical"? It was started by Dave Whipple and his wife, and it began shortly after they got married and decided that they really didn't want to join the rat race. They were newly married and lived in Alaska at the time. Both had jobs in the city, but they had no desire to go into a lot of debt by buying a house with a large mortgage. So they bought a small acreage a few miles from Anchorage and began to build. Both had day jobs, but after that, they would go to their site and work on a little cabin that would become there home.

They didn't have electricity, so everything had to be done with hand tools or equipment they could run from a small generator. They had an outhouse and a tent and zero experience at building a cabin. What they did have was the energy and determination of youth and though they would be the first to admit they made a lot of mistakes; they somehow got that cabin built. But it wasn't just a cabin that was constructed, for they slowly began to realize that they were building a life that would be hallmarked by simplicity and deep satisfaction. And the thing that is incredibly appealing to me is the pace and beauty of the life they have built together. If you like this kind of thing, I would highly recommend your looking up Bushradical on YouTube - you will be glad you did.

I have come to love shows like this. They are clean and wholesome, and they emphasize a life that I am beginning to find more and more appealing: One of simplicity!

I like simplicity. Ask my wife and she will likely tell you that I am the simplest person she has ever met. She probably means that in a different way, but I will take it as a compliment. I'm not really big on change or new things, so simplicity suits my life view very nicely. I get up about the same time each morning, I read from the same Bible. I eat the same breakfast. I get out and work for a bit and then I come home and eat lunch. It probably sounds boring to a lot of people, but it is a good life and one that I enjoy. Add that to the fact that I have a beautiful wife of 42 years, seven grandchildren (and the people who keep them) and I realize that there are very few people who have it better than do I. I am not bragging mind you, just pointing out that God has richly blessed me.

Which brings me to the best part. The simple life that I have come to love is centered around Christ. It hasn't always been that way. Even though I was raised by Christian parents who tried to steer me on that straight and narrow path, I have to admit that I used to stray from it far too often. I ended up chasing things that were of little consequence and this complicated my life far more than I care to admit. It wasn't until I got back to my roots that I discovered the beauty of God's plan. He has made things pretty simple, when you think about it. Just look at the verse we started with: What does God require? Justice, kindness, and a humble life of walking with Him. 

I realize that this seems too simple, but God's ways have always been so. Did you know that you could change your life by embracing His way? If you just took about a month to read through the New Testament, you would have a new outlook on life. If you took a few more months to go back and study that same New Testament, you would likely know more about the simple life that God has called you to than do most "pastors" who have spent years at seminary. And if you went beyond that and started applying what you learned - always continuing to read a little each day from both the Old and New Testaments, then you would have a life of joy and peace and... simplicity!

And the simple life that God has designed is pretty good - in fact there is nothing better. And after this deeply satisfying life of simplicity? Why then, there will be Heaven!