I once heard someone say, “You don’t know how bad you feel until you feel good.” That little phrase stuck with me, and I think it rings true when it comes to minimalism, too.
I got interested in the whole minimalism “movement” (I really do not like that word) and decluttering when I started realizing what the number one cause of all my anxieties is.
“She let go of all of the anxiety that kept her from moving forward.”
“She Let Go” Poem by Safire Rose
After some reflection, I discovered clutter was at the heart of my anxiety. As we started letting go—sometimes a little, sometimes a lot—I noticed I felt lighter, both in my home and in my heart. I learned that clutter isn’t just about stuff on shelves; it can fill up our minds and weigh on our souls, too.
As Catholics, we’re called to live with intention and simplicity, aligning our lives with Christ rather than the pressures of consumerism. Minimalism as a Catholic faith practice can help us realign our priorities with our faith.
We know we should store up treasure in the Kingdom of God, not here on earth, but what does that look like on a day-to-day basis?
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal.
But store up treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroys,
nor thieves break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” — Matthew 6:19-21
So, what is minimalism really all about?
Minimalism might not always be the trendiest thing, especially in a world that’s always encouraging us to buy more and fill our lives with stuff. But I think there’s something lasting and beautiful about choosing less, even when it goes against the grain.
Minimalism isn’t just about clearing closets. Living simply and letting go has deep roots in our faith. Embracing minimalism helps us focus on what matters.
If we see minimalism only as a trend, we might miss the everyday grace and beauty that come from choosing this way of life. For me, it’s become less about a movement and more about a lifestyle filled with intention.
When we anchor our hearts in Christ and let minimalism shape our days, we can live our faith more authentically—focusing on the little joys and what truly matters.
Minimalism isn’t required, but the Church teaches us not to let possessions rule our lives. Minimalism can be a path to deeper faith, helping us use what we have to love and serve.
What does minimalism mean for me?
To really answer that, let me start by sharing a little of my own story and how minimalism began to shape my daily life.
My husband’s love language is quality time, and I noticed that when our home was overflowing with stuff, my mind was always running through a mental to-do list, rather than being present with him.
You know those wine glasses tucked away, even though we don’t drink? Or chipped dinner plates in the cupboard, already replaced? These things became a silent to-do list in my mind, making it hard to be truly present with my husband. My body was there, but my thoughts wandered.
A couple of years ago, we had to move out of our apartment on short notice. It felt like the perfect time to ask myself: do I really want to pack, move, and unpack all this stuff? Downsizing wasn’t easy, but it was the nudge I needed to let go and make space for what matters.
“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” — Luke 12:15
I still remember dropping off three huge bags of shoes and purses at the thrift store and feeling like a decluttering power lifter. Then came the clothes—so many bags, I lost count after ten! It was a little shocking to see how much I’d collected over the years, but the process opened my eyes to how little we really need.
Letting go of things has been a gentle way for me to practice trusting God. Minimalism has also given me more time and space for little joys—like reading Scripture while sipping tea or simply sitting in the quiet with Jesus.
I encourage you to ponder these verses from Matthew 6:25-34, carry them in your heart, and let them sink in. I know it’s lengthy, but they spoke to me, and I feel they beautifully capture the essence of the biblical minimalism and simplicity of life.
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life?
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin;
yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith?
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.
“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.
Practicing Biblical Minimalism
So, what does biblical minimalism look like in real life?
I’m not a fan of strict rules. I think minimalism looks different for everyone, depending on your season of life and what matters to you. Minimalism as a Catholic faith practice is about focusing on God and loving others well. It’s not about perfection, but about keeping my eyes on Him who gives us everything.
Here are a few small steps that have helped me along the way:
- Take a look at what you own: does it help you grow closer to God, or is it just another distraction? I love how Jesus reminds us, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- Try simplifying your lifestyle—maybe that means clearing out clutter, spending less, or making more time for experiences and relationships instead of things.
- Practice generosity. The early Christians shared what they had with those in need, and we can do the same in our own small ways.
- Make time for gratitude: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”.
Minimalism isn’t about deprivation. It’s about making space for what matters. As we simplify, we may find more time for prayer, serving others, and the people God places in our lives.
Things to Keep in Mind…
Adopting minimalism in your life can sometimes present challenges.
The challenge is to keep minimalism as a means, not an end. It’s a faith practice to help us draw close to God, not just another standard to reach.
As Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” We must remember that our ultimate goal is not to have less, but to love God more.
Another danger is the temptation to pride. It’s easy to start feeling superior to others because we live with less. But as Saint Paul warns us in Romans 12:3, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.”
And if we take minimalism too far, it can sometimes distract us from caring for our families or being generous with others. The key is balance—keeping our eyes on God, not on our stuff or how little we have.
A few final thoughts from my heart
Having a lot of things isn’t wrong in itself, but it’s easy to let our hearts get too attached. Scripture gently reminds us to guard our hearts and place our trust in God, not in our possessions.
“Tell the rich in the present age not to be proud
and not to rely on so uncertain a thing as wealth but rather on God,
who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.
Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, ready to share,
thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future,
so as to win the life that is true life.” — 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Minimalism has given me a new perspective: true success isn’t measured by possessions. For a long time, I believed having more meant I was doing well. But God calls us to something deeper—He calls us to faithfulness. Only He can fill our souls in ways material things cannot.
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. Knowing our own “why” for living simply helps us build habits that are both practical and soul-nourishing. When we live with intention, we find more beauty in the everyday.
Maybe it’s time to stop keeping up with the Joneses and start finding joy in our own simple, faith-filled living.
Your sister in Christ,
Michalina
“Love people, use things. The opposite never works.”
The Minimalists
I’d love to hear how you’re finding ways to live simply in your own life. Do you have any tips, struggles, or stories about letting go of what doesn’t serve you? Share your thoughts in the comments—I love learning from this community and cheering each other on!