Minimalism is becoming in vogue. Not the art style, the lifestyle. Culture is starting to recognize the beauty of less. We like tiny houses and clean lines and photos displaying backpack contents neatly laid out on a rustic wood table

But here’s the thing. When the heart is in the wrong place, minimalism is no different than hoarding — both are symptoms of needing to be in control. Many days that unhealthy desire for order and ​“simplicity” is painfully clear in my own life (just ask my kids!) True simplicity, the simplicity of Jesus, is about seeking first the Kingdom of God. It’s about rightly ordered desires.

As we dive this month into the Discipline of Simplicity, our articles and podcasts will sometimes get into nitty-gritty details of how to live these things out, as well they should. But as Richard Foster reminds us, ​“we must never allow simplicity to deteriorate into another set of soul-killing legalisms.”

Grace and peace,