For the past few weeks, I have been evaluating some of the things in my life, and reducing or reorganizing a lot of it. What I’m doing has been called by many “simplifying.” But I’m trying to be much more strategic than that.

Often, the things that we have can get in the way and become a distraction to us. I believe that is the case much more often than people realize, and when “things” get too important, we lose track of our proper priorities.

The Bible calls that idolatry.

But what we need to stop and realize is that it’s not the thing itself that is the problem, it’s our motives and attitudes towards it. So when we start looking into our lives to simplify things, and to remove distractions, we need to look more into our hearts than into our homes. Because that’s where all of this is rooted.

So I have been seeking to be strategic as I simplify my life some. I have been reevaluating a lot of stuff. Do I really need to keep this? It this something that God can use through my life to accomplish good for his Kingdom? Or is this something that I am attached to too deeply? Those are the kinds of questions I’m asking.

But it’s not just about the physical possessions. Sometimes it’s other things as well. And sometimes, in order to simplify our lives, we need to strategically add some things in as we take some others away.

An example of this has recently occurred in my life. For years, I have desired to pursue a Master’s degree. I know that this is something that will benefit my personal growth greatly. It will benefit my ministry effectiveness in some major ways. And it will open up avenues in my life that are currently not available. So when Ozark Christian College announced their new postgraduate program, I applied and was accepted.

This will add a lot to my plate for a couple of years. But the benefits that it will bring greatly outweigh the costs. It might not feel like simplifying, but it is. It’s strategic in approach, and that’s vitally important.

So yes.. I’m emptying my home, my office, my garage, of those things that might distract me from closely following God and his calling upon my life. But I’m also adding in a few things that will help accomplish that same goal.

Simply.

But strategic.

And that makes all the difference.

Question: How are you strategically following God in your life at this moment? You can leave a comment by clicking here.