To make it less than central is sinful. Simple living is sometimes difficult. But to those who embark on this humble journey God provides joy and peace. The context in which we presently respond to the simple life is one in which most of the world lives on far less than we in North America consume. Since the last conference statement on Christian lifestyle, the gap between rich and poor in the world, in the United States, and among Brethren has widened.
Many more people live in poverty.
The number of children in poverty has grown. Lifestyles dominated by consumerism despoil the earth and deplete resources that could be shared with the poor. Such lifestyles separate us from the grace and humility of our lord Jesus Christ, who emptied himself for our sakes to give us another way of living. The Way of Jesus is one of devotion to God. Our love for God and neighbors is a treasure above all other wealth and possessions.