The Simple

Simple. We all seek the simple, the quick, and the instant in life. Even though that’s what we want, when something is presented without difficulty, we pick it up, look behind it and wonder where the rest is.

We often take this mentality into our walk with Jesus as well. If it seems uncomplicated, effortless and even manageable at times, instead of quick obedience, we begin to reach for stuff to fill in the cracks, make it heavier than designed and without a doubt, let’s OVER-THINK-IT!

Most of the basics are just that—simple. This Jesus life is co-operative. His divine (instruction and empowerment) with our obedience, equates good God stuff!

John 9, the blind man, blind from birth, encounters Jesus. Jesus puts spitty-mud on the guy’s eyes and instructs him to go and wash. “So, I went and washed and then I could see.” (v11)

Go and wash.

Simple.

Yet, there are others who hesitate due to simplicity. Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army (2 Kings 5). He’s a mighty man of valor yet had leprosy. Through interesting circumstances, he was told to go dip seven times in the Jordan River and he’d be healed. But the man thought he needed DESERVED more! Bring out the parade, “Elisha wave your hand over me, pray a glorious King James prayer” (ok, I added that last part).

Naaman in his stubborn pride, rejected the simple command. Criticized the detail and blinded by rage, turned his back on God’s instruction, walked away still trapped in his disease.

Until.

His servant challenged him. By asking, “If you had been told to do something great, would you have done it?”

He eventually went, did the dunking and was finally healed. His healing, however, was delayed due to denial of simplicity.

Denial leads to delay.

What is God instructing us? Are we holding out for more before we respond? We want bigger, more attention, more time to figure out an alternate plan. Perhaps, we’re making it more difficult than it is.  Maybe, if we surrender and obey, our ‘finally‘ can come sooner.

Simple.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

Small print disclaimer: We don’t obey to force God’s hand; we obey because He is God. If He says it—do it