Simple, Simplicity – Living the Uncomplicated Life of Faith

Easy, plain and uncomplicated – the free, uncluttered way of taking God at His word.

God Makes His Way Simple

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day had a multitude of rules and commands, but Jesus summed up how we are to live in just two – love God with our whole being, and love others as ourselves (Mk 12:30-31).

To deal with the complexity of choices and demands in life, He said to make God’s Kingdom and His righteousness the top priority, and all the necessary things (that He knows about anyway) will be given to us (Mt 6:32-33). Even the simple – those who are naive and immature – will not stray from the pathway of life, for within everyone is an inner understanding of right and wrong, and the way we show our love for God is to obey Him (Isa 35:8; Jn 14:15; Rom 2:12-15).

Do I keep my faith simple and obedient, or do I add rules and requirements God never asked for? It is easy to let man-made expectations creep in – extra conditions, traditions and comparisons that burden the conscience, when the Lord simply asks for a humble, trusting heart. Jesus rebuked those who tied up heavy loads and put them on others’ shoulders, while refusing to lift a finger themselves (Mt 23:4). The call remains the same: take God at His word, obey what He has clearly said, and refuse to complicate what grace has made simple (Prov 30:5-6; Mt 11:28-30).

Do I complicate things unnecessarily?

Keep the Gospel Simple

God’s Word gives understanding to the simple, and children often embrace the simple gospel message by faith more easily than the ‘wise’ adults who miss it because they try to figure out this gift that is to be received, not earned (Ps 119:130; Mt 11:25; Lk 10:21; Eph 2:8-9).

According to Jesus, the straightforward requirement for being saved is "Repent and believe the gospel" (Mk 1:15). When genuinely embraced, this results in a total lifestyle change, with obedience to His directives. Although God relates with us on an unsophisticated level, His nature is complex and multi-faceted, with ways beyond our understanding (Rom 11:33).

Do not neglect the foundation principles

Do not make the grace of God or walking in holiness a complicated matter; instead, be like Paul, who kept his preaching simple, with the Holy Spirit bringing blessing to his hearers (1 Cor 1:21, 2:1-5). While we should seek to gain greater knowledge and understanding in our faith, the emphasis should be on practically walking humbly with God and keeping in step with the Holy Spirit, rather than only amassing head knowledge (Mic 6:8; Gal 5:16,25).

Live Simply

The Lord protects the simple-hearted and often displays His grace through seemingly foolish or simple means, so that it becomes obvious it is not because of human ability (Ps 116:6; Zech 4:6; Act 4:13; 1 Cor 1:26-29). As a lavish lifestyle is hard to maintain, try doing with less, for real life and living are not related to how rich we are (Lk 12:15).

Live simply so that others may simply live

Do I enjoy the wholesome, and often free, things of life – from nature to a beautiful sunset? A simple life notices and savours God’s good gifts – the changing seasons, a meal shared with friends, an unhurried conversation – without needing constant entertainment or accumulation to be content (Phil 4:11-12; 1 Tim 6:6-8). Do I keep my testimony simple and genuine, pointing others to Christ? The gospel needs no embellishment; an honest word about what Christ has done carries its own power (1 Cor 2:1-2).

The man healed by Jesus did not know a great deal about the person who had healed him, yet he had a clear testimony: "One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see" (Jn 9:25). He did not construct an elaborate argument or answer every question the religious leaders put to him; he simply focused on the essentials – what had happened to him, and who had done it. A testimony does not require theological training or a rehearsed presentation, only an honest account of what Christ has done in our lives; the power lies in the message, not the packaging (1 Cor 2:1-5; Rev 12:11).

Have a good understanding of the basics

A simple, unhurried life allows the truth to be plainly seen. When our words, choices and character are free of pretence and clutter, those around us can look at us and read the reality of Christ without obstruction – like a city on a hill or a lamp on its stand, letting our light shine so that others glorify the Father (Mt 5:14-16). We do not proclaim ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord; the less there is of display and self-promotion in us, the more clearly the light of the gospel shines through (2 Cor 4:5-6). Contentment, honesty and uncomplicated right living preach a quiet sermon that arguments alone never could (Phil 2:14-16; 1 Pet 2:12).

Reflection and Application:

Love God wholeheartedly and others as yourself – the two commands that simplify everything (Mk 12:30-31).
Repent and believe the gospel, then follow through with a changed, obedient lifestyle.
Share your faith as a simple, honest testimony of what Christ has done for you.
Practise doing with less and enjoy the free things of life, so grace and generosity are more visible.