Note: This post is an excerpt from the book Christian Minimalism: Simple Steps for Abundant Living, which releases May 17th (today)!

The “Why”

Christian minimalism can change our lives in incredible ways. We know it won’t always be easy, but we also know that pursuing this type of worldview and lifestyle can change our lives—and the world—for the better. So why do we do it? What is the “why” behind this lifestyle?

As Christian minimalists, we strive to:
• Identify what’s most important;
• Intentionally remove everything else;
• Minimize/declutter/get rid of stuff, commitments, and
bad habits;
• Intentionally consume and use goods, time, energy, and
money.
Which results in freedom of more time, energy, and financial resources to focus on what matters most!

This is the general “why” of what we do. In order to be free to focus on what matters most, we figure out what’s most important and intentionally remove everything else. Freeing up our resources, time, and energy means that we are able to put God first and focus on what really matters.

In addition to understanding the general “why,” Christian minimalists aim to discover their own personal “why.” Maybe you want to free up time, energy, and resources so that you can pursue more schooling for a specific career. Maybe you want more freedom so that you can reconnect with God. Perhaps you want to spend more time with your spouse and/or children, or on a passionate hobby, or serving others through a charity or volunteer opportunity.

Find that personal “why.” Think about it. Pray on it. Ask God to show you that “why.” Knowing the reason why you are pursuing the Christian minimalist lifestyle is imperative. This “why” will drive your Christian minimalism journey.

Even when things get tough, your “why” will remind you why you’re doing this in the first place. Your “why” will give you the motivation to continue on the Christian minimalism path that God is calling you to live.

Whatever your personal “why” is, God’s got your back. God is with you and leading you in this process. God constantly surprises us and can make things happen in our lives that we would have never dreamed of happening. God’s abundance is for all.

Now to [God] who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than we can ask or imagine, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Did you like this excerpt? Pick up a copy (physical or e-book) of Christian Minimalism: Simple Steps for Abundant Living here!