Another Look at Simplicity

Another Look at Simplicity (Micah 6:8)

I enjoy being around people who can keep things simple. So many of us make all of life so complicated, so those who know how to simplify help us. Just as that is true in everyday life, it is also true in our Christian lives. Simplicity is a good thing!

We talked about the basics yesterday as recorded in Jesus' words to love God and love people. I'd like to think about those basics again today. But instead of Jesus' words, let's look at one of the Old Testament prophets.

God's Spirit has drawn my mind to Micah, an Old Testament prophet who knew how to simplify things. He listened to God's Spirit at work in His life and gave us simple instruction. Here is what he said: He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?

Do justly. Simplicity begins with always trying to do the right thing-the just thing. That's not complicated, especially for those of us who know the indwelling Spirit of God. It may sometimes be hard, but it is not complicated.

Love mercy. It is an interesting little word that means compassion or forbearance. It isn't complicated. Even when offended, God leads us to show mercy. That is not unlike His treatment of us. Where would we be without God's mercy in our lives? Loving to show mercy may not be easy, but it is not complicated.

Walk humbly with your God. Simplicity perfected is living with God in a big "G" and little "i" relationship. He's God; we are not. He is worthy of our complete devotion. We offer that devotion in humble gratitude because we understand the big "G" and little "i" character of our walk with God. It is not always easy, but it is not complicated.

Perhaps you and I need to take a step back from all the complications of life and pursue the simplicity of Micah 6:8. Sometimes we want to solve all the big problems before we manage the simple things. I wonder if all the big problems would exist if we lived out the simple things. -- John Strain is our weekend Freedom Fighter contributor and is Senior Pastor at First Baptist Toms River

God's WORD for YOU: Psalm 79-80; Proverbs 10; Romans 11:1-18

Great Quote: My greatest help in Christ is that moment by moment I can pass my distress over to him. -- George Verwer