I love simplicity! In a world that seems to be growing increasingly complex, I long for keeping things simple. I went to the store the other day to buy some deodorant and I was overwhelmed. It took me fifteen minutes to decide which kind of deodorant I wanted. There are so many to choose from its almost easier to go without and just sweat and stink! Christians today have so many good instructional resources available to them it’s easy to become overwhelmed. With so many choices we become paralyzed in our pursuit of Christlikeness. We’re stuck wondering which advice to follow next and what course of action to take. We spend so much time weighing our options and considering our alternatives we end up do nothing or at best very little. Let’s simplify the way only the Bible can – Matthew 21:6 “And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, . . .” I like that. It’s right to the point. Just do what Jesus commands you to do. If we want to be a Christ follower (a disciple) then we must strive to obey His commands. He says it this way in Luke 6:46 “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Ouch! If we are going to call ourselves a “Christian”, which means “little Christ,” then doing what he says will need to be our priority in life. In order to do what Jesus said we need to know what Jesus said. Bible commentaries and other Christian resources are great, but there is no substitute for reading the Bible itself. Good Bible teaching has a very important place in the life of every believer. However, we must be careful not to use someone else’s relationship with the scripture as substitute for our own. Mark Twain once said, “It’s not the things in the Bible I don’t understand that bother me, it’s the things I do understand.” If we will start obeying the things we do understand about scripture, I’m certain God will start to reveal more truth to us as we read. Why should God teach us more if we aren’t obeying the things, He’s already shown us? Remember the KISS principle – Keep It Simple Saint. It will serve you well.
Thought for the Day: Strive to obey the things God has shown you from his word.