Simplicity

Unhurry • Week 4

Adam Barnett wraps up our Unhurry series by exploring the concept of simplicity and how our lives can be less stressful with less stuff.

LISTEN

MESSAGE NOTES

Simplicity
Unhurry • February 20, 2022
Teacher: Adam Barnett

--

Jean Baudrillard

"In the Western world, materialism has become the new dominate system of meaning. Atheism hasn't replaced cultural Christianity; shopping has."

James Smith

"We unconsciously learn to love rival kingdoms because we don't realize we're participating in rival liturgies. Don't think that the mall isn't religious. The mall is a religious site, not because it is theological, but because it is liturgical. Its spiritual significance (and threat) isn't found in its ideas or messages, but in its rituals. The mall doesn't care what you think, but it is very much interested in what you love. Victoria's Secret is that she's actually after your heart."

The more we own, the busier we are. The busier we are, the more hurried we live.

More stuff = less time. Less time = more hurry.

Richard Foster

"Simplicity is the only thing that sufficiently reorients our lives so that possessions can be genuinely enjoyed without destroying us. It is an inward reality that can be seen in an outward lifestyle, choosing to leverage time, money, talents, and possessions toward what matters most."

Matthew 6:19-21 NIV

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

The point of this life is preparation for the world to come. You cannot take your treasure with you.

Mark 8:36 NIV

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

Matthew 6:22-23 NIV

"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Stewardship is putting God's Kingdom first.

More stuff = less time. Less time = more hurry.

1. Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.
2. Refuse to purchase the most recent gadget.
3. Develop a habit of giving things away.
4. Don't shop impulsively.
5. Before a purchase, consider the true cost of the item.
6. Live on a budget.
7. Resist the lie of advertisement.
8. Tithe.
9. Empty your storage unit.
10. Give spontaneously or secretively.

Alan Fadling

"The drive to possess is an engine for hurry."

Jesus (Luke 2:15)

"Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."

UnhurryAdam Barnett