Incarnation & SImplicity from the Lifestyle and Values

Lifestyle and Values of Servants Viv Grigg, 1981 © Urban Leadership Foundation:

Lifestyle and Values of Servants Viv Grigg, 1981 © Urban Leadership Foundation

1. Incarnation:

1. Incarnation Following Jesus’ pattern, who “though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty we might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9), we commit ourselves to live and work among the urban poor, to live as nearly as possible to their standard of living, while maintaining reasonable health and recognizing emotional physical cultural and family limitations. We intend always to master the language and culture of the people among whom we minister.

2. Non-Destitute Poverty:

2. Non-Destitute Poverty The Master not only chose poverty in birth, in life and death, he also calls his servants to such a lifestyle. We recognize our basic needs for food and clothing (I Timothy 6:6-8, Matthew 6:25-33), which may include tools of our trade, children’s toys.

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2. Non-Destitute Poverty (cont.) We recognize the just need, inferred from the Scriptures for each family to own its own home, although some, like the Master, may choose a mobile, apostolic life with nowhere to lay one’s head (Luke 9:58). In putting our treasure in heaven, we covet the unsearchable riches of Christ.

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2. Non-destitute Poverty (cont.) We desire to possess nothing that cannot be shared with those around us. Regarding what we have, we hold it not as our own but rather as lent to us for a season. We will seek to exclude from both our personal and communal lives the cares of the world, the delight in riches and the desire for other things (Matthew 4:19).

2. Non-destitute Poverty (cont.) :

We will avoid the abundance of communal properties or wealth. Buildings, administration and ministry shall be developed in the simplest manner consistent with good health and with efficient, well-pleasing work. 2. Non-destitute Poverty (cont.)

3. Inner Simplicity:

3. Inner Simplicity Renouncing possessions is an outworking of an inner simplifying of our lives which lead to the openness, gentleness, spontaneity, and serenity that marked the Master. In renouncing possessions we seek to simplify our external lives in order to simplify more clearly our inner lives and focus on knowing our Lord.

3. Inner Simplicity (cont):

Along with outward poverty, we desire an inner humility; along with servant works, we seek the spirit of a true servant. In caring little for this world where we are strangers and pilgrims, we set our hearts on that spiritual home where our treasure is being saved up, and on that glory which we shall share with our Lord, provided we suffer with him. 3. Inner Simplicity (cont)

3. Inner Simplicity (Cont):

We encourage middle-class Christians to such simplicity of lifestyle. For some it means earning less, and using their time for the kingdom. For others it means to earn much, consume little, hoard nothing, give generously and celebrate living. Such lifestyles are infinitely varied. We refuse to judge others in such areas. 3. Inner Simplicity (Cont)