In Freedom of Simplicity Foster gently encourages us to see that our identity, our sense of comfort and security must be dependent on Christ and Christ alone if we are to honestly seek first the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is not for each of us separately, but for us as a community.
Foster notes that Shalom is a full-bodied concept resonates with wholesomeness, unity, balance—a harmonious, caring community with God at its center.” Interestingly, he notes that the “promised blessings [of God] are for the community rather than the individual.” Foster recognizes that “something beyond good intentions and will-power is needed to transform our ego-centric, greed-captivated personalities into an all-inclusive community of loving, sharing persons.”
Simplicity is:
- a return to the posture of dependency.
- a grace given by God, it is also a discipline.
- a consciously chosen course of action involving both group and individual life.
- sets our lives before God in such a way that he can work into us the grace of simplicity.
- its outer expression must flow from the inner resources.
- is rooted in solitude.
- means a return to the posture of dependency.
- a cultivation of the soil, a sowing to the Spirit.
Discipline
- We have 1 thing to focus on: to be attentive to the voice of the true Shepherd.
- We have one 1 decision to make: seek first his kingdom and righteousness.
- We have one task: obey him.
- We are yoked to the one who is trained. Our only task is to keep in step with him. He chooses the direction and leads the way.
- Creation story is central—radical dependence of the entire creation upon God.
- True self-fulfillment comes only through self-denial. Christ emptied himself, taking the form of a servant. Philippians 2:7-8
- Ask for an increase of the light of Christ. Ask that the Shekinah, the glorious radiant presence of God, which once filled the mercy seat, fill your heart. In every task of your day seek to live in utter surrender, listening and obedient.
- We have no independent existence, no self-sustaining ability. All we are and all we possess is derived from God.
- Radical obedience possible when God has our supreme allegiance.
Humility
- Change the image flow—God coming into us to our coming into God.
- Way into humility is through holy obedience.
- We need the oil of the Spirit to heal wounded relationships. Surrender our rights for the good of others.
- Meister Eckart: There are plenty to follow our Lord half way, but not the other half. They will give up their possessions, friends and honors, but it touches them to closely to disown themselves.
- Prayer is the first step in relinquishing our control to Christ.
- Prayer frees us from anxiety because it teaches us trust And the result is peace.
- According to Martin Luther, a Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.
