Simplicity – “absence of complication” and a host of other descriptions.

My church’s spiritual disciplines for this month are simplicity and solitude. Let’s think about simplicity this week. Does that mean we rid ourselves of clutter in our lives? Well, kind of.

I’m always interested in Oswald Chambers thoughts.

  “Beware of people who tell you life is simple. Life is such a mass of complicaions that no man is safe apart from God. Coming to Jesus does not simplify life; it simplifies my relationship     to  God.” Oswald Chambers

Okay, let’s get out the old thesaurus.  “Simplicity” – absence of complication, clear, bring about ease in our thinking or clarity.

We can think “simple” – uncluttered, natural, or sort things out. Of course, we dont’ want to be a “Simple Simon” meeting the pieman while going to the fair. Oh,but I digress.

A trending answer to simplicity is to simplify. Books are being written right and left about decluttering your house and how to go about it.

We can agree with Mr. Chambers; “Life is such a mass of complications that no man is safe apart from God.“

However, he also claims even “coming to Jesus does not simplify life.” The father still has a temper. The daughter has an attitude. The friend still gossips. The boss still piles on the work. Dishes haven’t been washed. Bills haven’t been paid. The baby is crying.

Coming to Jesus does not simplify life; our issues are still there, but Mr. Chambers points out what “coming to Jesus” does do is to “simplify my relationship with God.” As our relationship with God develops, we can better work through the clutter of life and relationships.

Just as we attempt to declutter our household goods, we may need to declutter our calendars. Even when we feel like our activities and appointments are worthy, how many of these have confused our sense of excess? Not to mention the lack of prayer, Bible study, and meditation it causes.

Is it an attachment to wealth that binds you? Proverbs 11:28 tells us that “He who trusts in riches will whither.” Jesus taught about materialism and warned us that “You cannot serve God and money.” The inward evidence of seeking the kingdom of God is a life of joyful unconcern for possessions.

Is it clutter of relationships that starves simplicity in your life? Are you often grieved with communication problems, bitterness, or entitlement issues? Jesus constantly said in one way or another, “Love one another.” Imagine offering love to that person who is causing the problems. Is it possible that you are part of the problem?

Imagine the sense of calm you might feel if your life were to become decluttered. As Mr. Chambers says, “Coming to Jesus does not simplify life; it simplifies my relationship with God.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       I love the old Shaker hymn. If you know it, the tune will ring in your ears as you read it.

‘Tis the gift to be simple, ‘Tis the gift to be free, ‘Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right, ‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

~ Joyce ~