“See, this alone I found, that God made human beings straightforward, but they have devised many schemes.” Ecclesiastes 7:29 (NRS)
With infinite wisdom, the Creator made us to lead simple, uncomplicated lives. With very little wisdom, it seems, we have reordered everything around us so that simplicity has become cluttered and convoluted. Is it any wonder that we wake up grumpy and ill? Is it any wonder that stress is the silent killer?
Is it possible that we have succumbed to advertising? Has commercial interests and agendas begun to set and drive our goals? Why are we restless and discontented? Has Hollywood made us dissatisfied with who we are and what we have? Pointed questions, I know but uncomplicated.
Simplicity evaluates and balances decisions. Simplicity chooses between need and greed. Simplicity accepts enough and rejects excess. Simplicity accepts weaknesses but concentrates on strengths. Simplicity runs patiently outside the proverbial rat race. The maddening pace of a complicated life leaves the runner exhausted, irritable, and out of breath. The calm serenity of a simple life, however, leaves us contented, fulfilled, and joyfully energized. Now, we know that ideal is great but we live with real. The truth is, we can really live the ideal. We simply need to examine our lives and rid ourselves of the confusing complications. “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace . . .” 1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV). If God didn’t create the confusion and complications in our lives, then who did? Why? What can we do about it? Surely, we want to live a life without any schemes.
Dear Father, I praise you for the simple and uncomplicated life you have shown us through Christ. Thank you for your mercy and grace. You have charged me to come boldly before you asking for mercy and grace to help me in my time of need. I confess that I need your grace to help me simplify my life and ministry. O Lord, help me to know the difference between the significant and the insignificant. Empower me to make effective choices. Give me the grace to order my life in simplicity and contentment. I pray this in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for Christ’s example and live as his disciples,
Pastor Smith