FORREST
MCPHAIL
BY
Simplify Lifestyle
I know families that have determined not to accu-
mulate expensive “stuff” to free up resources. Their
houses are not filled with expensive furniture. Their
basements, garages, and attics are not overflowing.
They buy what they need and live simply as a lifestyle
commitment. They do this not to be self-righteous
but to free up resources for the Lord’s work and
teach their children to do the same.
What would happen if followers of Jesus committed
themselves to living simply for the sake of the Gos-
pel? What if they systematically sold excess tools,
toys, gadgets, and clothing, and put the proceeds
into gospel projects? What if, instead of buying an
expensive new car, they instead bought an older one
and put the difference toward local church ministry?
Part of maintaining a simple lifestyle is a commitment
to avoid unnecessary debt. Being content with less
and living simply could free up many opportunities
to be generous for the Gospel.
Surrender Job Choice
Believers focused on the Great Commission will
choose their vocation carefully, prayerfully con-
sidering whether God has called them to full-time
ministry. For them, the motivations of money,
personal fulfillment, security, and comfort are sec-
ondary considerations. They want opportunities
to know unbelievers and be a witness for Christ
Jesus. What if some who work online from home
chose work where they could rub shoulders with lots
of people every day instead? What if they turned
down lucrative careers in order to serve Christ in
cross-cultural missions?
Refuse to Play
Away Retirement
I have met American retirees in
Southeast Asia whose sole
purpose in moving there as
senior saints was to be salt
and light among unreached
peoples. These believers
were mature and had the
means, so they left family
and friends and relocated to
serve in needy places. Others I
know volunteered for all kinds of
ministries in their local churches. Some
retired pastors continue to use their gifts as interim
pastors and pulpit supply or come alongside younger
pastors to support them.
These folks could have played away their retirement.
Like the condemned widow of 1 Timothy 5:6 who “is
self-indulgent and dead even while she lives,”1 many
waste their latter years taking cruises, traveling the
world, eating at the best restaurants, playing golf,
and recreating their time away. While these activities
are not evil in themselves, to live for selfish pleasure
is. Some people are intentional about retirement.
They choose to actively serve Christ and to use their
financial independence to do so. Ask the Lord how
you might adapt these or other practical ways to
live for eternity!
What lifestyle decisions might be made by one who
is laying up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21)?
Both our major and minor choices must be signifi-
cantly influenced by this principle from our Lord
about living for eternity. This includes how we use
our time, accumulate and spend our resources, and
use our talents and strength. If our heart’s desire
is to honor Christ and pursue the eternal, then we
must be willing to take practical steps to store up
heavenly treasure. Here are some ideas.
Choose a Home That
Will Facilitate Ministry
Why did you choose the home where you live?
There are many factors to consider: affordability,
neighborhood, safety, convenience, school choices,
local government policies, taxes, etc. These are good
and natural concerns.
A follower of Jesus Christ whose highest motiva-
tion in life is serving Christ doesn’t stop with these
considerations. His or her mind is thinking of gospel
ministry: Where is the light of the Gospel most
needed? Where can my home and family be most
useful for ministry? Is there a struggling local
church where my family can plug in and serve? I
know a family who chose to live in an inner-city
area for the sole purpose of assisting a small
church plant in a difficult situation. It was
a sacrifice for them to do this, but it was
their joy to meet a real need for the Gospel.
Wages were lower, costs were higher, and
housing was less convenient—yet they went.
For some Christians, it may be the choice to
live in a progressively socialist state or city. While
others flee en masse, these folks choose to stay to
strengthen churches and provide a witness in the
increasing darkness.
PRACTICAL IDEAS
FOR LAYING UP HEAVENLY TREASURE
1 Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the English Standard
Version®, Copyright © 2008 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.