Saying No to a Crazy Life: Finding Peace in Simplicity
Introduction:
In a world that constantly bombards us with demands and distractions, we often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of activity, a "crazy life" that leaves us exhausted and spiritually depleted. Today, we will explore the biblical principles of saying no, slowing down, and embracing a simpler life, finding true peace and fulfillment in God.
I. Saying No: Reclaiming Our Boundaries
A. The Bible on Saying No:
Even in scripture, we see examples of people setting boundaries. Moses, in Exodus 4:18-20, returned home after a long stay, indicating he needed to go. Ruth, in Ruth 1:16, said no to returning to her old life and instead chose to follow Naomi. Jesus, in Matthew 8:18, told the crowd to depart to the other side of the lake, indicating he needed to move on.
These examples show that saying no is not always negative; it is sometimes necessary.
B. Giving Ourselves Permission to Say No (Luke 10:41-42):
Martha, overwhelmed with preparations, exemplifies the danger of overcommitment.
Jesus' gentle rebuke, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary," reminds us that we must prioritize what truly matters.
Mary, by choosing to sit at Jesus' feet, chose the "good part," demonstrating the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God.
We must give ourselves permission to say no to things that distract us from what is truly important.
C. Saying No to TV (Matthew 25:20):
We must be good stewards of our time. Time spent on things that do not build up our faith is not a good use of our time.
We must invest our time into the word of God.
D. It Is Okay to Say No Sometimes:
It is not selfish to say no. It is essential for our spiritual and emotional well-being.
II. Slowing Down: Finding Rest in God's Presence
A. Fast Is the Opposite of Love (Luke 10:33-34, Matthew 6:33):
The Good Samaritan, in Luke 10:33-34, took time to care for the injured man, demonstrating that love requires slowing down.
Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek God's kingdom first, prioritizing our relationship with Him over the frantic pursuit of worldly things.
B. God Wants Us to Rest (Mark 2:27, Genesis 1, 1 Thessalonians 5:17):
Mark 2:27 reminds us that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, emphasizing the importance of rest.
Genesis 1 shows God's pattern of creation, including a day of rest.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to "pray without ceasing," cultivating a constant communion with God, finding rest in His presence.
We need to have a constant open line of communication with our father.
C. It Is Okay to Slow Down:
Slowing down is not laziness; it is an act of obedience to God's design.
III. Simple Living: Reordering Our Lives Around God
A. The Blessing of a Simple Life (Matthew 22:37-39, Romans 12:2):
Matthew 22:37-39 reminds us to love God and love our neighbors, simplifying our lives around these core principles.
Romans 12:2 urges us to "not be conformed to this world," but to live lives that reflect God's values.
B. Overworking and Overspending (1 John 2:15-17):
1 John 2:15-17 warns against loving the world and its fleeting pleasures, reminding us to focus on eternal things.
C. Reordering Our Life Around God (Haggai 1:2-5, 1:5,6,9, 1:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12):
Haggai 1:2-5 rebukes the people for neglecting God's house while focusing on their own comforts.
Haggai 1:5,6,9 shows the consequences of misplaced priorities: emptiness and dissatisfaction.
Haggai 1:13 shows that God still speaks to those that will listen.
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 encourages us to live quiet lives, attending to our own business, and working with our hands, demonstrating the beauty of a simple, God-centered life.
D. It Is Okay to Live a Simpler Life:
Simplicity is not deprivation; it is liberation from the burdens of worldly pursuits.
- Preaching on Complacency: The Silent Thief of Spiritual Vigilance
- Preaching on Revelation: Unveiling the Victory
- Preaching on Discipline: A Call to Restoration and Purity
Conclusion:
Let us embrace the freedom of saying no, the peace of slowing down, and the joy of simple living. Let us reorder our lives around God, prioritizing our relationship with Him and finding true fulfillment in His presence. Let us choose the "good part," like Mary, and experience the abundant life that God has for us. Amen.
