Simple, Not Easy
…for You have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. ~Psalm 63:7
Simple isn’t always easy.
It seems we are constantly urged to “simplify” or minimize for our own good and the good of whomever we live with.
It is easy to see this with the material things that surround us. We know the kids need fewer toys (I am sure that Legos multiply as we sleep). The number of cups in the cupboard leaves many rarely used (and therefore, not needed). Our closets overflow. Stuff is everywhere.
To simplify what we own can be a chore, but it can be done relatively easily.
What about a spiritual simplification of things?
In his book, “Spiritual Depression,” D. Martin Lloyd-Jones talks about how we complicate matters by putting our own interpretations to God’s words.
He points out that we are saved by faith in the work of Christ in dying for our sin. The LORD God must punish sin and so He sent His perfect Son to take that punishment for each one whom He calls.
Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that somehow, in our own minds, we add to God’s requirement of faith. We think there are laws we have to keep to be saved when in fact, obedience to God’s Laws is the evidence of that faith.
But, he points out, it is even deeper than that. We somehow read into God’s Word that we must make up for some past sin. He makes the point that this is one cause of depression for some Christians. This thinking says we do not believe that Christ has taken all the punishment – His sacrifice was not enough for us.
The truth is that it covered all our sin. When we continue to look back, live in guilt, or try to work our way out of the trouble we believe we are still in before God, we complicate and distort the Gospel of God’s Kingdom.
When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, God gives us the righteousness of Christ. He was perfect. He needed no punishment. We can know that He took it for us. It is that simple. No works are necessary for salvation.
We need not add one thing to God’s plan for the redemption of His people. Jesus did the hard work of paying for our sin. Upon faith, we are forgiven. A simple truth.
Faith is simple, though God is a complex Being.
When we simplify our thinking to believe that God’s Word is true, we will trust Him. We will know the peace that surpasses understanding.
So, it can be beneficial to simplify your life by removing the physical clutter. But remember, spiritual clutter can be far more harmful to us.
Life is simplified, not necessarily made easier, when we trust the Lord to bear our burdens, take our fears, and bring us joy.
I love serving Jesus Christ as one who “feeds His sheep”. It is my desire to teach God’s Word diligently, with reverence and awe for the Source of the truths I teach, and with an engaging, and sometimes witty, delivery so that the hearers will not just listen but do what it says.
- For Our Good - February 12, 2020
- Future Benefits - January 8, 2020
- Attention Getting Behavior - October 16, 2019
Like taking a deep, cleansing breath. Thanks Beth.
I feel lighter after reading that – great reminder to not take on what we do not need, or is not required!!! So freeing. Thanks!!
I remember the first time I learned about what reconciliation meant. God is holy and can only hang out with holy beings. Can’t hardly wrap myself around the fact that HE MAKES me holy, too. Thank you for this reminder that we needn’t take on more than He has already freely, sacrificially given.