Simplicity is living not conformed to the world, but transformed by Christ. Neither rules nor programs, neither simplistic answers nor legalism can fully define the simple life. Jesus's way of simplicity is at the heart of the gospel. It is central to our faith and practice, not optional. 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.