Simplicity During Chaos
“The Simple Life,”…to some people that does not sound attractive. They are chasing the American dream and are identifying themselves by their rushed productivity. To others, that phrase sounds very attractive, but they seem to never get there. They probably assume that they can achieve simplicity only when they reach retirement, and it’s questionable even then. The world has enforced the belief that the busier you are, the more you get out of life.
However, I believe the Bible seems to depict a different kind of abundance. Jesus said the work of God is to “believe” on the One He sent. He said His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. He said to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). Even the lifestyle that Jesus lived seemed slower paced and peaceful. He certainly accomplished more than one can ever imagine, but He did so because He focused on the reason for which He was sent. He knew His purpose, and He did not let distractions get in His way.
The enemy will try for all our lives to beat us down. But if he knows He can’t make us feel beaten, then He will try to just make us busy. Jesus is looking not for an undefiled heart, but for an undivided heart. When we fall back into the way of the world, we are left with this unending need to work in order to prove ourselves. What might it look like to live completely, every minute of every day, in the “finished” work of Christ? There will always be more to learn in our walks with Jesus, for He is so far beyond comprehension. However, He has intentionally revealed to us the mystery of the gospel so that we might embrace a life of simplicity, a life that is simply sold out to Him alone.
Many years ago, God gave me a picture of the “inner” sanctuary” in my heart. This was a place where I held what was most dear to me. Thankfully, I saw Jesus within this room. But I didn’t see me there. I saw me working frantically building walls outside the room in order to protect it. I put up wood first, and then bricks, and then concrete. The whole time, I watched the face of Jesus just waiting for me to come in and “be” with Him. In the picture, I never did. He showed me that as I sit with Him, and enjoy His presence, He begins to grow and expand in my inner sanctuary. When He becomes so large in my life, then there is no need for walls around my heart because nothing else could squeeze in. He becomes my whole portion as well as my protection.
The urge for staying busy can also come from a belief that spiritual growth only comes from our service to Him. Yet, many times, it is our constant service in our own strength that can leave us exhausted and dry, not knowing where we went wrong. We can fill our lives with so many things, even good things or godly things, and still completely miss the mark. The simplicity that comes with prioritizing relationship leads to greater intimacy as well as godly fruit. We can serve in response to love, and not be on a rampage to earn it. When we say no to all the distractions, we can give our full “yes” to the Divine.