Keep it Simple

ByJim Stephens

Reading: 1 Corinthians 7; Psalm 130

29 I do want to point out, friends, that time is of the essence. There is no time to waste, so don’t complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple—in marriage, 30 grief, joy, whatever. Even in ordinary things—your daily routines of shopping, and so on. 31 Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out. (1 Corinthians 7:29-31 MSG)

Time is of the essence. No big surprise that this should be the section of today’s reading that grabs my attention. As the clock ticks and the calendar pages turn, I am more than ever aware that time is of the essence. Time is the essence of my life.

Don’t complicate your life unnecessarily. I’ve been working at simplifying my life, my commitments, and my schedule. God has made it clear to me that in this season it’s as important to say the right “No’s” as to say the right “Yeses”. Since I can’t simply go live in a remote cabin in the woods, this requires being clear on my values, setting value-driven priorities, knowing my own heart, and being sensitive to God’s graciously guiding Spirit.

Keep it simple. Paul didn’t say, “Don’t live a complicated life!” He did say, “Don’t complicate your life unnecessarily.” I need to understand what elements of complexity and complication are necessary and what can indeed be simplified.

My life. My family. My friends. My church. My dreams. My work. My finances. My oh my! It’s hard work trying to understand what God wants me to do with what remains of my life on earth!

This would be a good place to have a look at my life verses: 15 So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. (Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT)

Prayer:

Father, it seems as if you and I have been focusing quite a lot lately on your teaching me what’s really important, and on my learning to think, decide, and act rightly about all this stuff. Help me to make some progress today. Amen!