Extreme Simplicity

Have you seen the reality program showcasing extreme coupon-ers? Six carts of groceries cost $6.79, or some other ridiculously small amount, with the strategic use of coupons. Watch one time and the whole coupon mania begins to make sense in a strange sort of way. What if instead of hoarding up the nine cases of sports drinks, they were donated to the local homeless ministry?

An icy cold drink speaks volumes of love to a person living on the streets. With a little planning, even on a tight budget, we can find ways to make an eternal difference in the lives of others.

Remembering that God is bigger than our limited budget of resources frees us to make an eternal impact on others. When we think of living missionally, we think of the time, money, personal energy, and resources required. Frequently, the immediate answers to “Can you go on a mission trip?” or “Would you donate time to prayerwalk an economically-challenged neighborhood?” are “I cannot afford it,” or “My schedule is swamped.” God provides opportunities knowing our resources and our schedule. We have been created with the ability to find unique ways to live on mission.

Saving Money
The use of coupons is a simple way to save money, but there are more. Making wise choices in the way money is spent adds up to big resources. Being a good steward means being intentional. When money is saved, it is set aside for missions opportunities.

One big money saver is being wise about eating out for meals. Sharing a meal not only saves money, but it slims the waistline and makes the meal a social interaction. If sharing is not an option, half the meal when it is served, saving the second portion for later.

Lowering the thermostat, turning off lights, carpooling or bicycling to work, and enjoying a stay-cation builds savings quickly. Selling life’s excesses such as collections, furniture, and vehicles simplifies life and provides funds for missions trips, donations, and sponsoring children in need. Involving our children in the process models the importance of making eternal differences.

Saving Time
Simplifying is more than about money. Simplifying frees up our time and energy along with emotional freedom from complicated lives. To discover ways for even the busiest person to find time, try this:

• Take a close look at the calendar for the last month; choose three things that could have been deleted without negatively impacting the family’s life.
• For three days, watch for time segments spent on nonessential activities. Nonessential activities are those that do nothing to grow relationships, provide for the family, promote good health or sustain life, or serve others.
• For one day, consider an alternative way time could be spent to impact others eternally. Need ideas? Collect gently used items from co-workers to donate to homeless shelters. Organize meals for a hospice center. Share a lunchtime Bible study with a person seeking Christ. Read to children in an economically-challenged school. Share a coffee break encouraging a single mom or listening to a grieving widow. Volunteer in an oncology clinic. Or plan a fundraiser for missions trip scholarships or supplies needed by missionaries.
• For one hour, be determined to look for small ways to lead a missional life. As small changes are implemented, making an eternal impact on another’s life becomes a more attractive way of life.

Missional living produces eternal living. Instead of living to mark off days, putting the focus on the eternal makes life joyful and fun!

Deb Douglas seeks to simplify and save her way to missions involvement in Bossier City, Louisiana.