Keeping it Simple

2016 has been a complicated year for me. Spur-of-the-moment decisions, unexpected adversity, grieving the loss of breached relationships…circumstances that often felt like more than I could bear. But in the midst of our trials, God encourages us to “cast all (our) anxiety of Him because He cares for (us).” I Peter 5:7

I recently helped an elderly gentleman in our church prepare to move. A gentle soul…some might call him simple-minded, but I think of it as more of an endearing childlikeness. Consider that Christ told His disciples that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who become like little children (Matthew 19:14).  I love this man’s childlike innocence and the way he accepts what you say at face value. It’s so refreshing.

And I realize how much I long for life to be simple. To “make it (my) ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to (my) own business and work with (my) hands.” I Thessalonians 4:11 To not focus on the external but to “let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” I Peter 3:4 “Precious in the sight of God” – at the moment, I can’t think of a more comforting thought.

But what do we do when life gets complicated? How do we keep things in perspective? Following Paul’s instructions to the Romans concerning being transformed by the renewing of our minds, he says not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think. (Romans 12:2-3) And he elaborates on that idea in his letter to the Philippians: “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” Phil. 2:3

Paul continues by saying that Christ is the epitome of humility: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men…He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8

I can’t help but think that there’s a connection between humility and simplicity. Obviously, if we are of humble means, we probably live a simple life. But I’m thinking more about matters of the heart. The childlikeness that I find so endearing in our elderly friend makes me wonder if embracing humility might be the key to living simply.  

And so in my quest to keep it simple, I pray that God will teach me humility. For “the reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4 Hopefully a simple life.