Habits for a Healthy Heart (3)

When Less Is More: The Power of Simplicity in Daily Life

Last week we reflected on a universal truth: in one way or another, we all lie to ourselves. Today I want to talk about one of the deepest lies in our society: “having more is better.” We are constantly bombarded with the message that happiness is tied to the accumulation of goods and wealth—a message that has been with us since the very first pages of the Bible, when the serpent convinced Adam and Eve that what they didn’t have was exactly what they needed.

Every day, advertisements repeat to us that the key to happiness lies in what we don’t yet have: more money, more possessions, more time. But is that really true?

The Myth of Abundance

We live in a culture that pushes us to believe that in order to be happy we must always want more: more money, more clothes, more entertainment, more success. This race toward accumulation not only distracts us, but also keeps us away from the things that truly matter.

In the Bible, in the book of Acts, we find a powerful story. Paul, during his journey to Rome, faced a storm with calm and courage because he knew that God had protected him. After 14 days of fasting, he urged his companions to eat, and only after they were satisfied did they decide to throw the grain into the sea, lightening the ship to face the storm. This symbolic act teaches us a great lesson: when you have what you need, everything else becomes superfluous.

I Have Enough

One of the secrets of happiness lies in recognizing and accepting that we already have everything we need. Learning to say “I have enough” is an act of faith and gratitude. In Psalm 23 we read: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” But how many of us truly live with this conviction? Too often, our daily lives do not reflect this profound truth.

Simplifying to Find Peace

The habit of simplicity consists in letting go of everything that does not truly matter. Jesus Himself teaches us not to store up treasures on earth, where everything is destined to decay. In Matthew 6, He invites us to store up treasures in heaven, because “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Modern culture pushes us to earn more, to accumulate objects and wealth, often at the expense of our peace of mind. But true peace is found in letting go of what has no eternal value. As the book of Ecclesiastes says: “Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil.”

What Really Matters?

If we were to pause for a moment today, what would we say truly matters in our lives? Authentic relationships, moments spent with the people we love, our faith and our relationship with God. These are the things that, in the end, leave a lasting mark.

Looking back, we don’t fondly remember the purchase of a new phone or a new car, but the moments of joy with family, the experiences shared, and the acts of love and kindness. When you realize that you have enough, you begin to live with one hand free—to give to others, to praise God, to embrace those around you.

Living with One Hand Full

When we choose to live with less—with one hand full instead of two—we open ourselves to the things that truly matter. We make more room for peace, gratitude, and simplicity. The Bible invites us to let go of what weighs us down and distracts us from God.

Every day, we can pray asking God for less of what has no value, and more of what truly matters. When we make Jesus our treasure, everything else becomes secondary.

Conclusion: True Riches in Jesus

The key to true satisfaction is not in having more, but in living with Jesus at the center of our lives. When we understand that “because I have Jesus, I have enough,” we free ourselves from the endless need to accumulate and begin to live a simpler, yet infinitely richer life. We are invited to let go of what has no value and make room for what truly matters.

Because in the end, it is not the things we accumulate that will make us happy, but the love, the faith, and the relationships we build along the way.