Friday, October 03, 2008

simplicity

Seeking to glorify God in all we do. Sitting at the Lord's feet to learn as a follower of Jesus. Saying the Our Father/Lord's prayer daily, as well as the Jesus Creed, and seeking to live that creed out. Not getting too taken up with the election here in the United States and politics beyond one's own calling, knowing that its importance is limited. Wanting to draw near to God and seeking to do so. Doing good to others, even if one can't do as much as one would like. Dealing with the plank in my eye, so I can see clearly to help my brother get the speck out of his eye.

Simplicity takes on many forms in Scripture and the Story of God we find in it. It takes interesting shape in such people as Abraham, Joseph, Ruth, Moses, Joshua, David, Daniel, Esther, John the Baptizer, Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary the sister of Martha (and surely Martha herself, later), the apostles Peter and John and Paul- and many others. To see Scripture and find our place in God's ongoing Story from it requires simplicity for us. In all things being integrated around the Jesus Creed, which is the first and great commandment, and the second like it.

Of course in Jesus there are many things needed. But it all centers "in Jesus" and we need to endeavor to be meeting God and all the issues of life in him. This simplifies everything in that we're not looking for the latest self-help book or therapy. We know we find the answers in Jesus and in Scripture, much good there for us, and we need it all. And we do so in community with God's people and in mission to the world- a part of God's design for us. But all from simplicity in Jesus before God with each other in and for this world.

What would you like to add on this that can help us, or anything you'd like to share?

10 comments:

sojourner said...

Simplicity isn't always easy when the knotted problems of life keep us focused on the chains that bind us. The more we try to free ourselves, the more entangled we become. Simplicity means to relax, look to Him for release, and let the chains fall to the ground.

Crowm said...

Simplicity is a good thing. When we make things harder than they are, we get ourselves into trouble.

I agree with sojourner. We rely on our own abilities to conquer challenges. Today, I sit in my office wondering where to begin, a sermon, a Bible study, preparing for a funeral, a wedding? It all seems so overwhelming.

Thanks for the reminder of simplicity and focusing on God. It's interesting that our posts today are somewhat similar in subject.

Thanks Ted!

Anonymous said...

the only way to simplify is to have one focus where all true direction comes from.

The Solid Rock
E C#m F#m B
My hope is built on nothing less,
A F#m A B E
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
E C#m F#m B
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
A F#m A B E
But wholly lean on Jesus' Name.

E A
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
E C#m F#m B
All other ground is sinking sand,
A F#m B E
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

Anonymous said...

Simplicity is something we need to recover. Man has a habit of taking the pure and simple things of GOD, and making them complex.

preacherman said...

I believe it is in the simplicty that we develop the godly disciplines that you mention as well as a deeper, personal relationship with God and his son Jesus Christ. It is in the simplicity that I see my true self and the love, amazing, unfathomable love that God has for me and all of his creation. It is during those times and practices at I see God. Thank you Ted for this wonderful post. Your blog builds me up and strengthens my soul. Keep up the great work brother. I hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Sojourner,
I sense that you speak both from faith in God's word, and from experience. Good words, and thanks.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Crowm,
Thanks for your thoughts here. Yes, life can seem so overwhelming and simplicity in Jesus helps. We need it.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Nancy,
Thanks for sharing the lyrics (and chords!- do you play guitar?) to that great hymn. A good help towards simplicity.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Mike,
Well stated. I do that automatically when left to myself. Because I just don't get it. But with God's light I can see, and it does take away the ambiguity and confusion towards a simplicity which is profound, really.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Preacherman,
Thanks for your generous sharing and encouragement here.

Yes, we feed off this simplicity. Rich in Jesus for our souls and lives. Gives us all we need to walk in Jesus in this life. And ongoing for sure.