I spent last week with 39 friends in Ohio’s Amish country. We saw some beautiful scenery, we visited many interesting sites, and we ate a lot [too much] delicious food.
One of the things that most often comes to mind when thinking about the Amish is their mode of transportation. Or perhaps it’s the way they dress. When I think about the Amish and Mennonites who live in Homes County, Ohio and other similar communities around the country, the word that most often comes to mind is “simple”. They live a simple life.
The Amish and Mennonite way is one of simplicity. Simple, good food. Simple clothes. Life without many of the things we might consider necessities in the modern world.
But beyond that, the Amish and Mennonite life is a committed life. Commitment to family. Commitment to God. Commitment to what they believe about God. What I observed in the Amish and Mennonite people is that they don’t just talk about what they believe. They are willing to be thought “odd”. They are not willing to compromise their beliefs for the sake of “fitting in”.
How does that compare with typical American Christianity?
I’m not suggesting we all suddenly become Amish. Or even Mennonite.
What I am suggesting is that we can learn a lot from them. About love of God and love of family. About healthy eating. About a healthy lifestyle of fresh air, fresh food, and exercise. About knowing what we believe and why we believe it. About not being willing to compromise those beliefs.
Perhaps it’s time for us to slow down. To reevaluate what is really important. And to live in light of it.
Not only to talk the talk, but to walk the walk.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22 NKJV)
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