"I should feel bad for wanting beautiful things when minimalism is more spiritual."
How it sounds in your head: I keep looking at that dress or those home decor pieces and then feel gross. Shouldn't I want less? Isn't simple living more godly? Maybe I'm just vain and materialistic.
"And Moses said to the children of Israel, 'See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel... And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold and silver and bronze.'"
-- Exodus 35:30-35Religious asceticism teaching that denying beauty equals denying flesh and gaining spirituality.
Every minimalism influencer sounds so peaceful and spiritual and she feels cluttered both physically and spiritually. Wanting beautiful things feels like evidence of a shallow heart.
She came to Solomon's palace and was BREATHLESS at the beauty—the house, the food, the seating, the service, the gold. She blessed God FOR the abundance and beauty, then gave Solomon 120 talents of gold and precious stones.
I REFUSE the lie that wanting beauty is unspiritual. IT IS WRITTEN that God filled artisans with His Spirit to create beautiful things. I am made in the image of the CREATOR who adorns lilies and designs sunsets. IT IS WRITTEN that the blessing of Abraham includes beautiful garments and precious things. I'm the daughter of the King—of COURSE I desire beauty. The BARAK includes aesthetic blessing. I receive beautiful things WITHOUT GUILT because my Father loves giving good gifts and He made a stunning world for His kids to enjoy.
The Father isn't judging your Pinterest boards. He's the one who invented color and texture and beauty, and He's already running toward you with gifts that will make your space and closet reflect the artistic glory of the One who made you in His beautiful image.