Living the Simple Life: Finding Your True Core

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, the invitation is to rediscover the beauty and power of living a simple life. At the heart of this journey is the call to “identify your core”—to find that unshakable center around which everything else in life revolves. Just as the sun holds the solar system together, so too must we find our own core, lest our lives drift into disorder and confusion. Many people live without a clear center, and as a result, their lives lack direction and peace. The simple life is not about a checklist of external actions or appearances, but about cultivating a deep, inner attitude that shapes everything we do.

Reflecting on the example of St. Francis of Assisi, it’s easy to fall into the trap of imposing our own version of simplicity on others, mistaking outward austerity for true simplicity. But real simplicity is an inside job—a perspective rooted in three essential attitudes: gratitude, contentment, and security.

Gratitude is the first pillar. It’s about recognizing and celebrating the blessings we already have, no matter how small or humble. Whether it’s an old car or worn-out shoes, gratitude transforms what we have into “enough” and shields us from the poison of comparison and complaint. Complaining complicates life, but thanksgiving simplifies it.

Contentment follows closely. It’s not about settling for less or refusing to grow, but about being at peace with what we own while remaining restless in our desire to give and bless others. We are called to be content with our possessions, but never content with the amount of good we can do for others. Our growth and prosperity are not for self-indulgence, but so we can become greater channels of God’s love and generosity.

Finally, true security is found not in money, status, relationships, or even our own abilities, but in the unbreakable love of God. Many of us cling to “security blankets”—things or people that give us a sense of worth and safety. But all these can be lost. Only God’s love is unshakable, and only when we make His love our core identity can we face any loss or crisis with peace and confidence. God is not just fond of us—He delights in us, and this is the only foundation strong enough to build a truly simple and joyful life.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Simplicity Begins with Inner Gratitude Gratitude is the foundation of a simple life. When we focus on what we have and thank God for it, our hearts are freed from envy and complaint. This inner posture transforms even the most ordinary circumstances into occasions for joy, and it protects us from the endless cycle of wanting more. True simplicity starts with a grateful heart. [16:21]
• 2. Contentment: Be at Peace, But Keep Growing Contentment means being satisfied with what we own, but not with what we can give. We are called to be at peace with our current blessings, yet always seek to expand our capacity to bless others. This balance keeps us from both greed and complacency, and it turns our pursuit of growth into a mission of love rather than self-indulgence. [24:20]
• 3. Security Is Found Only in God’s Love All earthly security blankets—money, status, relationships—are fragile and temporary. When we make God’s love our core, we gain an identity and security that cannot be shaken by loss or change. This unbreakable foundation allows us to live with courage, peace, and generosity, no matter what life brings. [38:22]
• 4. Your Core Determines Your Life’s Direction Just as the sun holds the planets in orbit, your core—what you value most—shapes the order and direction of your life. If your core is misplaced, chaos and confusion follow. But when God’s love is at the center, everything else finds its proper place, and your life becomes both simple and purposeful. [11:13]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [09:39] - Joyful Gathering and Introductions
• [10:49] - Launching the Simple Life Series
• [11:13] - Identify Your Core
• [12:57] - St. Francis and Early Simplicity
• [15:41] - Simplicity: Not Just External Actions
• [16:21] - The First Attitude: Gratitude
• [17:32] - Stories of Gratitude in Daily Life
• [23:24] - The Second Attitude: Contentment
• [24:20] - Contentment and Generosity
• [27:02] - Receiving God’s Abundance
• [31:25] - The Third Attitude: Security
• [32:25] - Security Blankets: What We Cling To
• [34:57] - Your Security Blanket Is Your Core
• [38:22] - The Only Unbreakable Core
• [39:15] - God Is Fond of You
• [47:00] - Living with God at the Center
• [48:30] - Invitation to Partner and Closing

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Simple Life – Identifying Your Core

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Bible Reading

Philippians 4:11–13 (ESV)
> Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Matthew 6:19–21 (ESV)
> Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

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Observation Questions

1. According to Philippians 4:11–13, what does Paul say he has learned about contentment? What situations does he mention?
2. In Matthew 6:19–21, what warning does Jesus give about where we place our treasure? What does He say about the connection between our treasure and our heart?
3. In the sermon, what are the three “inner attitudes” that make up true simplicity? ([16:03])
4. What examples did the preacher give about how gratitude can change our perspective on what we have? ([17:32])

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Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul says he can be content “in whatever situation”? What is the “secret” he mentions in Philippians 4:13?
2. How does the idea of “core” in the sermon relate to Jesus’ teaching about treasure and the heart in Matthew 6:21? ([11:13])
3. The preacher said that real simplicity is “an inside job” and not just about external actions. Why do you think focusing only on outward simplicity can lead to pride or legalism? ([15:41])
4. Why is it important, according to the sermon, to find our security in God’s love rather than in money, status, or relationships? ([38:22])

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Application Questions

1. The preacher shared stories about being grateful for old cars and worn-out shoes. Is there something in your life right now that you usually complain about, but could instead thank God for? What would it look like to practice gratitude in that area this week? ([17:32])
2. Paul says he has learned to be content in every situation. Are there areas in your life where you struggle with contentment? What is one step you can take to be more at peace with what you have? ([23:24])
3. The sermon challenges us to be content with what we own, but not with what we can give. How can you grow in generosity this month? Is there a specific way you can bless someone else with what you have? ([24:20])
4. The preacher talked about “security blankets” like money, jobs, or relationships. What is one thing you tend to rely on for your sense of security or self-worth? How can you begin to shift your trust toward God’s unbreakable love? ([34:57])
5. When you think about your “core”—the thing your life revolves around—what would you say it is right now? Is there anything that needs to change so that God’s love is truly at the center? ([11:13])
6. The sermon said, “Complaining complicates life, but thanksgiving simplifies it.” What is one practical way you can replace a habit of complaining with a habit of gratitude this week? ([23:08])
7. The preacher shared that God is not just fond of us, but delights in us. How does this truth affect the way you see yourself and your daily life? Is there a specific area where you need to remind yourself of God’s delight in you? ([39:15])

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