Two Problems with Cottage-core from a Christian Perspective
Two Problems with Cottage-core from a Christian Perspective
I love Cottage-core. Everything about it appeals to me; the pretty dresses, tea parties in pastoral locations, the love of nature and simplicity. However, as a Christian, I see two major problems with cottage-core that could be stumbling blocks if you allow it to be. As such, I would like to share a Christian perspective:
The Promise
The biggest attraction of a cottage-core lifestyle is that it is simple and peaceful. Your days are spent lounging in meadows reading books and sitting in the garden drinking tea. Time seems to be spent solitarily, as family or companionship is not often mentioned. No stress, no strife, do whatever you want as long as it makes you happy. Sounds like paradise, doesn’t it?
The First Problem
The biggest problem with that is that the peace is artificial. It is dependent entirely on your circumstances. And we all know that in this life, circumstances are entirely outside of our control. As a Christian, if you are sourcing your peace from your lifestyle choices, you are building your house on the sand. In Jesus’s own words:
“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:26-27 NKJV
As a follower of Jesus, the source of our peace must be in Him. He who never changes and is always with us.
The Second Problem
The second problem with Cottage-core is that this lifestyle has only been enjoyed by only one set of people throughout history: nobility, the ruling class. Average, every day people have to work hard to support their families. Additionally, as Christians our greatest calling is to serve others. We serve a King who rules an upside-down Kingdom, the higher we rise the more we must be servants.
“Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
The Perspective
As long as we keep our focus on Jesus, live in His peace and serve those around us, there is nothing wrong with wearing pretty dresses and enjoying tea parties. He created us to enjoy beautiful things, and the beauty of the world itself glorifies him every day. Furthermore, these can be lovely ways to create community and fellowship with others.
Don’t fall prey to the mindset that your circumstances define your peace. Remember that our purpose on this earth is to serve others the way Jesus did. However, no one says you can’t serve others while wearing a pretty apron. *wink*
If you enjoyed this, please check out this post on Three Steps to Create a More Peaceful Life.
Until next time,
Ariel
