Compassion also leads us to simplicity in our way of living. We begin to sense the need to live more simply, to let go of many superfluous possessions, to examine the way we live in contrast to, and often at the expense of, the way the rest of the world lives. The Quaker Richard Foster, in his book Celebration of Discipline has an insightful and practical chapter on simplicity. He speaks of three inner attitudes that characterize simplicity: to receive what we have as a gift from God; to know that it is God’s business, not ours, to care for what we have; and to have our goods available to others. Then he goes on to speak of the outward expression of simplicity and lists ten controlling principles that are excellent guidelines for developing a simple lifestyle. They are:

• Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status;
• Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you;
• Develop a habit of giving things away;
• Refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry;
• Learn to enjoy things without owning them;
• Develop a deeper appreciation for creation;
• Look with healthy skepticism at all “buy now, pay later” schemes;
• Obey Jesus’ instructions about plain, honest speech;
• Reject anything that will breed oppression of others;
• And shun whatever would distract you from your main goal

“Each of these characteristics of the Way of Appreciation– experience, compassion, acts of mercy, simplicity of lifestyle–is important for spiritual growth toward solidarity with the poor.”

-Theodore Wiesner, CM