There’s something almost revolutionary about choosing to live simply these days. In a world that screams louder every second about more, bigger, faster, and newer, deciding to embrace simplicity feels like a quiet act of defiance. Yet, beneath the surface of this quiet rebellion, there lies a deeper, almost sacred invitation—a call to a life that’s not just about less stuff but about more meaning, more presence, and ultimately, more holiness.
When I say “holy,” I don’t mean the kind of holiness draped in solemn robes or locked behind church doors. I mean the kind of holiness that seeps into your everyday, that shows up in the mundane and the ordinary—the way you wash dishes, how you speak to your neighbor, or how you choose to spend your Sunday afternoon. Simplicity, then, isn’t a dull resignation from the chaotic world. It’s a radical reclaiming of what truly matters.
Why? Because simplicity forces you to see clearly. When life isn’t cluttered with distractions, all those extra layers peel away, leaving room for something real to grow. The noise from endless notifications, the pressure to keep up with trends, the constant chase for more “stuff” or status—it all fades. And suddenly, you’re face to face with the essentials: love, faith, gratitude, purpose. Those are the building blocks of a holy life.
The Culture of More and Its Discontents
Look around. Society has built an entire economy on convincing us that happiness is right around the corner—if only you had that gadget, that promotion, that bigger home. It’s exhausting. This relentless pursuit often ends in emptiness because it’s based on a mirage. There’s no finish line where all your problems vanish. More stuff doesn’t equal more soul.
In fact, it’s the opposite. The more tangled you get in the web of consumerism, the more you lose touch with your inner compass. The sacred can’t thrive in a space that’s overwhelmed by noise, deadlines, and clutter. So many people feel spiritually starved, not because faith has failed, but because they never had the chance to slow down and listen.
Simplicity as a Spiritual Practice
Choosing a simple life can become a spiritual discipline akin to prayer or meditation. It invites intentionality. You begin to ask, “What truly matters? What do I want to carry with me when all the distractions fall away?” This is the soil where holiness grows.
Think about monks or hermits throughout history. They often chose simplicity—not because they hated the world, but because complexity was a barrier to their spiritual connection. They stripped away everything that wasn’t essential to focus on their relationship with the divine. Now, you might not be called to live in a cave, but that same principle applies. Simplicity can become your sacred space right where you are.
Simplicity Demands Courage
There’s a misconception that simplicity is easy, that it means settling for less or giving up ambitions. It’s actually quite the opposite. It takes guts to swim against the current, to unplug from the culture of excess, and to say no to things that don’t serve your soul. It’s uncomfortable at first. There are moments of doubt and temptation to jump back into the fray.
But with courage comes freedom. Freedom from the anxiety of keeping up. Freedom from the guilt of not having “enough.” When you embrace simplicity, you find your shoulders lighten, your mind quiets, and your heart feels less scattered. You’re no longer a slave to the relentless demands of “more.”
How Simple Living Deepens Relationships
One of the most surprising gifts of a simple life is how it enriches relationships. When you’re not distracted by the constant craving for new experiences or possessions, you start to be present with the people around you. There’s a rawness to connection when it’s not diluted by screens or endless busyness.
Imagine sitting down with a friend, not scrolling through your phone every few minutes, but really listening, really seeing them. That’s holy. It’s a glimpse of the kingdom right here in ordinary friendship. Simplicity cultivates space for these moments, and those moments change everything.
The Role of Gratitude
Gratitude is the heartbeat of simplicity. When you live simply, you’re forced to recognize what you already have. And that recognition transforms your outlook. Instead of constantly chasing what’s next, you find contentment in the present.
Gratitude opens the door to awe. The small miracles in daily life—a warm cup of coffee, a kind word, a sunset—become profound. This sense of awe connects us to something bigger, something sacred. It’s a quiet reminder that life, in all its simplicity, is a gift.
A Holy Calling in a Messy World
To live simply today is to proclaim a different kind of truth. It says, “I will not be defined by my possessions, my achievements, or how busy I am.” It’s a refusal to let the world’s frantic pace steal your soul. Instead, it invites you to lean into stillness, to slow down, and to listen for that quiet whisper of the divine.
This calling isn’t just for the spiritual elite or those who retreat from society. It’s for anyone willing to risk living differently. To find holiness in the hum of daily life, you don’t need to escape. You just need to choose simplicity as your way of walking.
Living with intention, clarity, and open-heartedness—that’s the simple holy life. It’s messy, imperfect, and gloriously human. It’s about finding God not in grand gestures but in the everyday grace of being alive and fully present.
If you’re feeling restless or overwhelmed, wondering if there’s more to life than the endless chase, consider this your invitation. To explore what it means to live simply, not as a burden but as a freeing, sacred calling. To find peace in the less so you can have more of what truly counts.
If you want to dive deeper into discovering your own sacred path toward simplicity and purpose, check out this inspiring resource about uncovering your true calling in life at finding your life’s true purpose. It’s full of insight that might just light the way for your personal journey toward a simpler, holier existence.
Simple living isn’t about perfection or rules. It’s about choice. It’s about reclaiming your time, your attention, and your soul from the noise of the world. When you make that choice, you step into a life that’s not just simpler but profoundly holy. And really, isn’t that the kind of rebellion we all need?
