Jesus was a simple guy.

SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Jesus was a simple guy. He had just a few close friends, lived on very little money, and owned only one piece of clothing when he died—which, by the way, was the only personal possession of his that the Bible mentions. How does that compare with life in our material culture?

In the United States we rent storage units to hold all the stuff we don't use, but don't want to get rid of. And all the while, our culture tells us we need more and more. So we spend most of our lives trying to get stuff that really isn't all that meaningful.

All of our stuff—and our perceived lack of stuff—causes stress on the soul. Our stuff also serves to distract us from being who God calls us to be. Look around your room. Take a peek at your calendar. Consider your plans for the future. How much of it involves simplifying your life and how much involves complicating it? God desires us to be diligent and to work hard, but he also wants our souls to be uncluttered. His way of living is much less hurried and hectic.

Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

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Taken from "What Does God Want From Me?" by Mark Matlock, copyright 2006, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here: http://www.youthspecialties.com/product/258155