Uncluttered Lives.

     For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.
                               2 Corinthians 1:12 NASB

     In this passage, Paul is speaking of a simple, uncluttered Christian life. The word "holiness" in this verse is also translated "simplicity" in the KJV, the idea being that of a life being lived out in singleness of purpose. In other words, a life that is truly devoted to God.
     Few people are living this simple kind of life today. We are caught up in activities of every kind. We are busy with our children's school activities, work, weekend getaways, hobbies and so forth. It gets no better when we add all the church activities to our already busy schedules. We have men's ministries, women's ministries, youth trips, senior banquets, marriage retreats, and a host of other activities that keep us busy in the "Lord's work."
     It seems that we do not truly realize in our Christian lives what it means to "hate our lives in this world" (John 12:25).
     There is a simple rule that would quickly unclutter all of the extra things out of our busy lives, and bring us to that rest that Jesus promises those who come unto Him (Matt 11:28-30).

     Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
                                 1 Corinthians 10:31 NASB

     If we would judge every activity in our daily lives by this standard, we would find that a good portion of what we do could be eliminated from our lives. How much of our daily routine actually glorifies God? We would also find our motives changing for the things that are left. Instead of the pressure to impress others, the pursuit of self advancement, a competitive nature, and other selfish motives, we would now be doing things for the glory of God. With singleness of purpose we would be living for Him, and Him alone. Our lives would now be simple and uncluttered, and we would indeed find rest for our souls. This is where true freedom is found.