7 Experiment – Bible Study Book : Staging Your Own Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker

Feeling trapped in a world of excessive consumption? Jen Hatmaker and her friends can relate. In fact, you could argue that our entire culture is caught in this same predicament. At one point, Jen thought she was immune to the allure of material wealth. However, a chance encounter with a poverty-stricken child, who labeled her as “rich,” made her question her assumptions. This encounter became the catalyst for a remarkable social experiment that transformed into a spiritual journey.

Are you intrigued? This study invites you to embark on the same experiment, tailored to your own comfort level, in seven crucial areas of life: food, clothing, spending, media, possessions, waste, and stress. But what do you gain from embracing a deeply simplified existence? The answer lies in uncovering a profound connection with God—a path towards a simplicity and generosity that mirror the life of Christ. What starts off as an experiment ultimately leads to a radically enhanced way of living.

The Journey Continues: Reflections and Hopes for Simple and Free 2023

Welcome to a new year, as we reflect on the journey we began a year ago with Simple and Free. Inspired by Jen Hatmaker’s book, Simple and Free, we set out to live simpler, smaller, slower lives, prioritizing connection with God, generosity, connection with others, and true rest. Throughout the year, we focused on different areas of our lives, including food, clothes, possessions, media, waste, stress, and spending. We each approached this journey in our own way, making small or big changes, at our own pace.

It’s important to remember to be kind to ourselves as we navigate this journey. It’s not about doing everything all at once or comparing ourselves to others. We are each on our own unique path, and it’s important to focus on doing our personal best with our own lives.

The Bible reminds us in Galatians 6:4-5 to not compare ourselves with others but to take responsibility for doing our best with our own lives. Each of us will have different experiences and challenges along the way, and it’s important to remember that progress is more important than perfection.

As we reflect on the changes we have made, it’s clear that they all interweave and impact each other. For example, our food choices can have an impact on the environment and our health, while reducing waste and simplifying our possessions can lead to a more organized and stress-free life.

Throughout this journey, we have learned valuable lessons and experienced personal growth and transformation. Some of us have found it challenging, while others have found it easier than expected. The important thing is that we have taken steps towards living a more intentional and fulfilling life.

Looking ahead to the future, we acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. There are global issues such as climate change and social injustices that require our attention and action. While the magnitude of these problems may feel overwhelming, we must remember that every small step we take makes a difference.

We can continue to challenge the systems and structures that perpetuate inequality and work towards positive change. By living simple and free, we can align ourselves with God’s vision for the world and be a part of the solution. Remember, it’s not about doing everything perfectly or solving all the world’s problems. It’s about doing the next right thing and moving in the right direction.

As we move forward, let’s be kind to ourselves and others, recognizing that we are imperfect, but we are also part of God’s greater plan. Let’s continue to seek His guidance and trust that He is with us every step of the way. Together, we can make a difference and create a better world.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on what God is inviting us to do in our own lives and in our community. Let’s offer our hopes, visions, and grief to God, trusting in His guidance and provision. And let’s celebrate the progress we have made and the transformation that is yet to come.

May we find rest, peace, and purpose as we continue our journey towards a simpler and freer life.

Blessings to you all.