The sun is breaking through the clouds on this chilly, late January morning. As I approach the house, from Jack’s mid-morning walk, the warmth lures me to stay outside. Jack is a twelve-week-old Australian Shepherd, who became a member of our family a few weeks ago.
But, by the time I secure Jack, grab my lawn chair, journal, and water, the sun hides behind the greyness of the day. Hopeful it’s just a temporary pause in my winter “sun bath”, I toss Jack a treat, sip some water, and open my Bible.
I turn to the verse I’ve been draw to often this month. “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (II Corinthians 11:3 NKJV).
Paul’s concern for the church at Corinth is about them being deceived. I get it. I believe I’ve been deceived as well.
My life seems anything but simple. From the divorce of my parents, earning an IT degree, raising four kids, maintaining a home, owning a business … Simple is not how I’d describe things.
Maybe my definition of the word is part of the problem. To me, simplicity seems to mean freedom from the complexities of life, uncomplicated. This can’t be what Paul meant. A smooth life was never promised.
The sun is peeking through again. A bit of warmth slathers my face.
Have I been wearing myself out seeking something that’s not possible?
From Jesus’ very words, I get my answer.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful (John 14:27 NASB).
Simplicity isn’t peace as the world gives it.
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33 NASB).
Simplicity isn’t a life free of conflict and tribulation.
I know simplicity is possible, but I need understanding. What does true, Biblical simplicity really mean?
Pondering the question, I’m struck by two things:
- The word we translate as “simplicity” in the original Greek means singular focus, sincerity, God seeking and not self-seeking, mental honesty.
- Our simplicity is ‘in Christ‘.
Jack is getting restless. I know I need to stop soon. I press into God, Lord, show me how to live this life Paul is referring to.
Seek First
Tossing Jack a toy, Jesus’ words come to mind. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33 NASB).
The verses before this warn us against having a narrow focus on the world and the necessities of life. Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things (Matthew 6:31-32 NASB).
Jesus tells us to have a singular focus on God, His righteousness, and the reign of His ever-unfolding kingdom.
This seems hard, but God empowers us every step of the way. “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 NASB).
Love as He’s Loved us
Hours before He was crucified, Jesus said, “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you (John 15:9-12 NASB).
Jesus boils things down to simple terms.
Love.
How do we love? As He’s loved us.
How much is that? As much as the Father loves Him.
And He tells us if we love others as He’s loved us, two amazing things happen:
- We abide in His love
- We receive His full joy
Wow, This is the kind of life I want.
Challenge
What’s crowding your mind this very moment? What thoughts and emotions seem to keep swirling around in your soul? It could be feelings of hurt, illnesses, concerns for loved ones, money problems …
Would you trade it all for a singular focus of seeking God’s kingdom by loving others?
Use the following verses as a type of vacuum cleaner for your soul, giving everyone and everything to God.
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (I Peter 5:6-7 NASB).
Linger in the ever presence peace of Christ.
Prayer
Lord, like Eve, I’ve been deceived. I’ve too often allowed the cares of this life to be my focus. I’ve allowed circumstances to make my life feel complicated and anything but simple. Peace as the world gives it is never possible. You are my Peace.
You have given me understanding and insight.
With you working in me, I have all I need to live a life of simplicity in You.
Please remind me quickly when I allow the worries and distractions of this world to draw me from pure and simple devotion to you.
Keep me in the narrow focus of seeking Your kingdom as I love those You place in my path. May I view the challenges and duties of life, not as distraction and bothers, but as ways to serve you and love others.
With all my love, Amen.
Other posts in our series In The Moments:
Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God’s nearness in the midst of life’s adventures.
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