Biblical Minimalism: Following Jesus from a Life of Abundance to a More Abundant Life

by Cheryl E. Smith

For years, my family and I struggled with overloaded schedules, overwhelming debt, and being far too enslaved to our 4-bedroom, 3 bath home and excess physical possessions. The things we thought we "owned", really owned us, and living in bondage to them rendered us physically ill, mentally exhausted, and existing from day to day in an underlying state of misery. Through a sobering wake-up call, God made it clear that life-changes must be made, and what followed was a minimizing journey that has led us to sell our home, let go of about 90% of our physical possessions, and eliminate 100% of our debt. This book will appeal to anyone who has a desire to live a more minimal, Biblical-aligned life; anyone who is exhausted from over-indulgence in consumerism; anyone who would like to downsize and reduce the number of their physical possessions; and anyone who needs to read of living proof of a modern-day family who is currently walking this path.Minimalism is becoming increasingly popular as people tire of being bound to their possessions and obligations. Many long for a simpler life, but oftentimes do not know how to find it or even where to begin. As we walked our own minimizing journey, I often longed for a minimalism book that was written from an exclusively Christian viewpoint, and I found that there are few such books available. My family and I wanted to be sure that what we were doing was not merely following after a "movement", but that it fully aligned with God's Word and how Jesus lived His life on earth. As my attempts to find a book continually came up short, I turned directly to God's Word and in-depth personal study. The result of that whole-hearted searching is the book, "Biblical Minimalism." It blazes the trail on the subject of Scripture-based minimalism and meets a growing need.

Genres: Faith, Christian, Spirituality, Nonfiction

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2020

About the author

Cheryl Smith is the author of the books "Biblical Minimalism," the story of her family's journey from a life of abundance to a more abundant life and "Homespun Devotions: Volume One" and "Homespun Devotions: Volume Two." She is the author of the blogs Biblical Minimalism, where she writes about minimalism from a Biblical perspective, and Homespun Devotions, where she writes devotionals and conducts "Inner Views." She loves to spend time with her husband and son in the mountains, sing and play Bluegrass music, and write.

Reviews

[Laura Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot more to minimalism than meets the eye. Yes, there is the decluttering part of it. But Cheryl E. Smith takes us along on her journey (which I've had the privilege of peeking into through her blog) from a big beautiful house filled with what she thought were treasures to a small place, in another state, where she treasures the things she has. But it's not just a book about how she decluttered. It's a book about how God took her through a long process of reevaluating nearly everything in her life. She began to look at things, situations, and relationships through His eyes, and it changed everything. She didn't go through this process alone though. She's shared this journey with her beloved husband Kevin and young adult son Zac.



There is so much heartfelt, good advice about following hard after God in this text. It is a real challenge to look carefully at what we have and what has us.

I underlined many passages, but these are some that really stood out to me.

"It is often easier to stay where we are, no matter how miserable our circumstances, than to open our minds to the possibility that God has something better for us."
page 17
Boy I know this is true from experience!

"God was calling us to move, but my affection was so strongly set on our physical possessions, I was refusing to answer His call. My hesitation to let go held me like prison bars. What I "owned," really owned me instead."
page 51

"God doesn't always reach down and immediately eliminate the messes we have created for ourselves. Smetimes, He allows us to feel the sting of bad decisions to drive the truth home so firmly that we won't forget or repeat the mistake in the future."
page 106

Chapter 12 —Eleven Ways to Discover Your Life's Calling was amazing. It had a number of questions to ask yourself that really shed light on what you should be doing with your life.

This whole book had very concrete advice about how to do each thing involved with a journey to Biblical minimalism. I highly recommend the book.
5 stars ★★★★★

I use the Goodreads star system.
★ Did not like it
★★ It was okay
★★★ Liked it
★★★★ Really liked it
★★★★★ It was amazing

Thank you Cheryl, Kevin, and Zac for this complimentary review copy.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Mary Geisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheryl E. Smith takes the reader on a journey from abundance to a more abundant life. Using her own family's journey as they downsized and moved into a city where they knew no one, Ms. Smith shares the biblical principles of decluttering as well as the practical.

Cheryl Smith defines biblical minimalism as: "Not just having fewer material possessions, sparse decor, or a specific number of outfits. It is a complete, whole-person release of anything unlike Jesus, a letting go of everything that hinders us from following Him wholeheartedly and single-mindedly and relinquishing all that brings us under bondage to this earthly, temporal life." She uses the words from Hebrews 12:1-2 as the foundation for her book as she walks you through each step and the challenges she faced along the way.

I highly recommend this book as someone who has walked part of the same journey. I not only learned about decluttering as a mind, heart, soul, and physical journey, but how Ms. Smith found freedom, contentment, peace, and a deeper faith in God.

[Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This encouraging book was written by a dear friend of mine. I appreciate how she mentions several times how everyone's situation is different and that we should obey and follow God's leading in our lives.
While Cheryl Smith speaks on less clutter in our homes (I certainly learned that hard lesson during our recent move!), she also greatly emphasizes the importance of keeping Christ first in our life. We need to be prayerful about removing anything that hinders our relationship with Him. Throughout her book, she goes back to the foundation of God's Word by including many Scripture passages.
She gives helpful tips on decluttering, finances, tithing, and keeping a quiet, peaceful heart. I struggle with these issues a lot, so I'll definitely read this again!

[Lori Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I’ve been looking for.

It seems there are a million books on decluttering and minimalism, but not many that look at it from a Christian perspective and go in really deep. I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time; however, the timing couldn’t be better for me in this season. There are so many nuggets of information as well as information that could be life changing. I highly recommend this book if you are wanting to surrender your stuff and walk toward a life lived for God.

[Kim McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read. Really brings light to things.

Great read. It really breaks it down on how you can use this to take a look at not only your possessions but all things in life. Loved and will re-read it again to start using it in everyday life. So proud of you Cheryl!!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I associate that she addresses relationships and commitments in addition to belongings.

[Beth Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, thought-provoking book!

Author Cheryl E. Smith shares her own life-altering downsizing story, including the practicalities and rewards, all grounded in Scripture. This is a wonderful guide to contentment, a calmer lifestyle, and a peace-filled family life. This book would also make a great small group Bible study.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read indeed, one I think I'll read again someday. I long for its truths to sink in. I dare say I hope to know what it means that He must increase, I must decrease.

If you're into minimalism, this book is much deeper than mere decluttering of possessions.

[Drew C. Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblical Minimalism

A great read of you are interested in how to better love your life in a world of mass consumerism.

[Pam Potier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

It was exactly what I was looking for and more! Loved it!
If you are looking for inspiration to declutter but in a biblical way, this is a good resource.

[capturedbyannamarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible and it really changed the way I look at things

[Kelsey Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute little homespun book, but it offers little than cannot be found in blog posts about living a simple life.

[Jo Chorlton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first chapters of the book really helpful. The rest were less relevant to me but would be jphelpful for someone else I am sure.

[Britney S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thought-provoking read...highly recommend!

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite old hymns includes the line, “I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face,” and whenever I have sung it, I’ve sensed a dissonance in my spirit that has nothing to do with the music. The truth is, I ask God for all kinds of sunshine, and I imagine you do as well. Here in North America, we accept stable employment, safe and comfortable living conditions, ample sustenance, and adequate (and even stylish!) clothing as our due, and we then go on to acquire any number of possessios that, eventually may come to possess us.

Cheryl Smith stood one day in her dream house and heard the Lord speak startling words to her spirit: “You are allowing this house and this yard to hold you prisoner.” God was calling her and her family to unload their home, most of their possessions, and to embark upon a life of simplicity which she now describes as Biblical Minimalism.

As Smith followed Jesus from “a life of abundance to a more abundant life,” she realized that what she owned truly owned her. She tells her family’s story, describing the freedom she experienced — but not prescriptively, for her path will not be everyone’s assignment. Her words are an anthem to what God has done in one woman’s heart and a challenge for every single one of us to beware of the bondage to our “things.” She concludes with practical advice learned along the way that may come to you just in time to align your own heart more faithfully with an uncluttered discipleship.

Many thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.

[Brenda Kominek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exellent

This was an excellent book. I love how the author touched on all aspects of life and not just materialism. Enjoyed that she discussed how living simply helps us to stay devoted to Christ. She also gives great advice for the "how to" pare down our things, spend our time wisely, and give to those in need just as our savior did!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot about minimalism lately. This book gives solid and grounded Biblical principles as to why we should all live with Jesus as the forefront of why we should simplify our lives and homes.