The Simple Things

The Simple Things
Let’s think about Bilbo Baggins, from J.R.R. Tolkien’s, The Hobbit, again. Last time we compared Bilbo’s longing for home to our longing for the new heavens and the new earth. One of the details that we did not flesh out last time was the nature of the things that Bilbo desired. As you well know, Biblo longed for home as he went on his great adventure. Yet, in his longing for home he would occasionally name a few things that he missed. A good meal, his favorite armchair, smoking his pipe with the finest tobacco in the Southfarthing (Old Toby to be specific), the company and joy of friends and family, his garden, and more. In all of these things we can see that Biblo, along with most other hobbits, enjoyed the simple things in life.
In Bilbo we see part of Tolkien’s Christian worldview peak through. Think of the Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy when he says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” (1 Tim. 6:6-8). Paul will go on to warn Timothy, and all who would read his letter, that the desire for riches and the love of money are roots to all types of evil. Instead of luxury, wealth, riches, and extravagance the Christian is to be content with the simple things in life. 
Simplicity does not mean abject poverty. It does not seem to be the case that the Bible would teach that Christians are to live in absolute squalor. Rather, it is that we are not to be consumed by possessions and wealth. There is a fine line to be walked as a follower of Christ in our context. There is nothing wrong with having possessions and enjoying them. The question we must ask is, do they consume me? Do they distract me from Jesus? Am I content to go without these things? 
In a day and time where everything is fast paced, grandiose, and larger than life, let us not forget to be satisfied with the simple things in life that God has blessed us with. Let us be content with little or much. Enjoy a meal, quality time with family, planting a spring garden, sitting in your favorite chair, or even smoking a tobacco pipe (if you're like Bilbo). Enjoy them to the glory of God. And as you and I enjoy these things, may God increase our contentment as we find our joy in Him.

Grace be with you,
C. R. Hamilton