Simplicity in our lives means establishing G-d as our divine center. This is the opposite of what we see today rampant in society, where we put ourselves (the self) in the center of our lives. I remember when participating in Prison Ministry, we had a tract called the “4 Spiritual Laws” (Campus Crusade for Christ). And in that tract were 2 pictures: one of G-d on the throne of our life, the other with self on the throne. We would ask the inmate which picture best represented them. Inevitably 99% of the time, the inmate pointed to self on the throne. Being straight forward in their answer, I suspect they answered more honestly than most of us would. Are we saying we follow G-d when in fact we are instead worshipping our self? Psychologists have hierarchy charts on self-realization. It lays out layers we as humans strive through to receive happiness. The chart forms a pyramid and at the top is self actualization. So society teaches self is the highest goal for man. I suggest to you that self should never be a Believer’s focus; for beyond self actualization is something much greater – G-d Actualization!
Learning the simplicity of scripture in order to hear God plainly and simply
“Above all, brothers, stop swearing oaths – not “By heaven,” not “By the earth,” and not by any other formula; rather, let your “Yes” be simply “Yes” and your “No” simply “No,” so that you won’t fall under condemnation (Yacov, Jacob) or (James 5:12).
Simplicity is at the heart of the Scriptures. In the above quote Yacov (Jacob or James) brings this point home. In the first century, in Israel, oaths had become common and were very carefully worded, leading to confusion as to whether the oath was binding. For example, an oath on the altar may not be binding; yet one on the sacrifice on the altar would be. This kind of double-speak was all too common in the days of Messiah; as it is today. This complexity leaves “loop-holes” for people to confuse and often misdirect people. The Emissary Yacov (Apostle James) condemned and instead directed we walk in simplicity with our word being uncomplicated and direct with no chance for misinterpretation.
Many people unfortunately read scripture with the same complexity; forgetting first and foremost scripture is to be understood. Simple, direct understanding allows His word to direct, mold and shape us. Jewish hermeneutics are considerably different than those used by most. In Judaism the simple interpretation is preferred to complex interpretations. This is important as it allows us to read scripture in ways that we can grasp; ways that can change us. We need to take scripture at face value, with its meaning understood in the historical and cultural surroundings of the first century Jew. Remember all of scripture was written by Jews with the possible exception of one or two books.
In order for these words, in their proper cultural and historical context, to become alive we need to not only read them, but endeavor to live them. We should strive to let our lives be transformed by His Ruach (Breath or Spirit). Messiah Himself made many important statements about what it meant to follow him. “He said, if you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) and “They shall know you by your fruit” (Matthew 17:16). We as believers are often guilty of trying to separate G-d’s Grace from actions. This is a false dichotomy as Yacov also said clearly “Faith without actions is dead faith.” Ultimately this means our actions, not just our faith, show we belong to Him. Simplicity is the key, if we belong to Him we should act like He acted, speak like He spoke, and do what He did. It is all about keeping His last command: “Go make Talmidim (Disciples) out of every nation.”
Removing the clutter in order to hear G-d plainly and simply
Our everyday lives also ought to reflect that straight forward simplicity. How many of us overcomplicate our lives? We load ourselves down with possessions, not those that we need; but those that we want. Our lives are filled with stuff, drowning out simplicity. I remember holidays where the children got so many presents that they would jump from one thing to another without ever enjoying any specific one. During Hanukah we give the children one present a night, this allows them to take the time to enjoy what they received, not merely horde their presents. Today there are reality TV shows where people are literally drowning in stuff, to the point where it becomes an obsession. We need to simplify our lives and make sure “things” are not more important than G-d and people.
Removing the busyness in order to hear G-d plainly and simply
Our schedules also should strive for simplicity. How many of us spend every waking movement rushing to and fro; from soccer to scouts, from baseball to ballet. Our families are in disarray and Mom and Dad become little more than a taxi service. Little to no quality time is spent together as we strive to “fill up” our children’s lives with activities. Worse is when we, as parents, let our overly complex and busy schedules dictate to our children what is important. Missing Church or Synagogue because of a baseball game (or any other activity), what’s that telling our children? I think what it is telling them is baseball or soccer is more important than G-d. Is that the message we want to send?
There is an adage “Keep it simple, Sam”, or the KISS principle. Our lives should be ruled by G-d and His Messiah. Our actions influenced and directed by His Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Breath or Spirit), not by self. Our words should be simple and straight to the point, not with deception, but speaking truth. Our ways of dealing with our fellowman simple and straight forward. We should strive to have uncomplicated our lives, to slow down and “taste and see the G-d is good.” In a previous article we talked about the need for a day dedicated to God, nothing can exemplify simplicity more than stopping the rat race and focusing on God and Family. The Shabbat is like an Oasis in time, simply devoted to God. Think about it and try it out, it really is that simple!
