Janelle Esker It may appear that most of the work involved in pursuing Christ-Centered Slow Living is external. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Gently unclutter your soul, it is primarily about the interior work, in and through our relationship with Jesus. The external rhythms of daily life are an overflow of the peace that passes all understanding, only coming from a devoted life of worshiping the one true God.
He(Jesus) was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God. 1 Peter 1:20-23
The gentle purifying of your soul forms the foundation for the uncluttering. We can simplify our homes and wardrobes all we like (I am not saying these are unimportant) and never achieve the peace we are looking for. Tenderly pursuing the renewing of our minds by the power of the Holy Spirit is refreshing.
What would it look like to live a life unconcerned about what others think about us?
To care only what God thinks?
No more overwhelm.
Would our schedule and priorities look different?
Prioritizing our relationship with Jesus above all else is actualized freedom. A beautiful freedom bought at great cost, under the authority and obedience of God’s Holy Scripture. That said, an uncluttered soul is not about perfection. Rather, it is the sometimes shoddy abiding with Jesus Christ in every area of your life. To be in process is to be a disciple.
Gently Unclutter Your Soul
- Pursue Love, not idolatry.
- Pursue Joy, not envy.
- Pursue Peace, not dissensions and divisions.
- Pursue Patience, not fits of anger.
- Pursue Kindness, not jealousy.
- Pursue Goodness, not impurity.
- Pursue Faithfulness, not rivalries.
- Pursue Gentleness, not strife.
- Pursue Self-Control, not drunkenness.
To unclutter means not having or being impeded by too many objects, details, or elements. The first thing we need to unclutter is our mind. Then move on to the will, emotions, and reason all of which contribute to the well-being of the soul. A peaceful soul is achieved by removing impediments, for example, sinful behavior, untrue thoughts, fears, and purposeless busyness, and replacing them with the goodness of God.
This takes time, Christ-Centered Slow Living is a lifestyle that allows you to be patient with yourself while you declutter your soul. It is gentle, and healing and does not produce overwhelm. It is simply “The Way”.
Loved this! Thank you so much, dear sister. You should make a podcast if you don’t already have one! (which if you did, I would totally follow!). We absolutely need more Christ-centered discussions on all things slow/intentional living.
In Christ,
A recent convert to all things slow living
Hi Erika,
I am so glad you made your way to The Peaceful Haven! I am also glad you found the article helpful! Can’t wait to get to know you more!