The Gift of Simplicity The gift of simplicity is freedom. Freedom to live our lives fully and peacefully—without being overwhelmed by the frantic pace of today’s increasingly complex world. Living the simple life actually provides an antidote to what has been called “affluenza.” This modern malady is common among those who look for happiness and fulfillment in all the wrong places: material possessions and pleasures, outer appearances and success. The result is an inner restlessness. “There is an inner restlessness in us that is never satisfied until we find God,” wrote Eric Butterworth, one of the brightest lights of Unity for many years. He taught that ours is a restless search that will continue until we finally make this sacred connection with the Source and Sustainer of our lives. But we don’t have to wait until our earthly life is over before we find God. The gift of God is waiting for us now. Deep within. By simplifying our lives down to their very centers, away from all outer distractions. This is the “shelter of the Most High” (Ps. 91:1) where God waits to be found. The Secret to Simplicity What’s the secret to simplifying your life? It’s simply this: Put God first in all things, at all times. When God is your greatest desire and God’s will is your highest priority, everything falls into place. No stress, no mess. God First This is what the Master meant when he said, “Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mt. 6:33). Strive for the inner kingdom of God where faith, hope, and love prevail and the outer things we tend to fret about, our physical and material concerns, will be provided as we need them—like God provides for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. For this simple secret to work fully in our lives, however, we must put God first in all things, at all times. Not just when we’re in great need of something or during times already reserved for God such as a Sunday service or grace before meals—but throughout the day, every day.

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