Uncomplicated

​“It’s complicated.”
People (you and me are people too!) express the above phrase often. We humans have a way of complicating things that our Creator and Redeemer made simple.
Complicated means difficult, unclear, bewildering, incomprehensible…plain old hard to understand or figure out.
How is it that even Christians can make their faith walk with Jesus complicated?
Our theology, doctrines and religious practices are good and essential to Christian faith. But they can become complicated if we are not watchful. Religious ritual and traditions can complicate the simplicity of our love for Jesus.
When I read the Word of God in the Bible, truth is simple, not complicated. Who would have listened to Jesus very long if He taught that to go to heaven was “complicated”?
The Lord simply, clearly, forthrightly and persuasively preached the Good News. He kept it simple. So uncomplicated that little children could understand salvation. Jesus said the Kingdom of God is like children. (Matthew 19:13-15). A child’s heart is innocent, trusting. Uncomplicated.
Young children simply understand who Jesus is and what He has done. Jesus loves them and they love Jesus.
I and maybe you also may remember singing in Sunday School “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.” Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me, yes, Jesus loves me, for the Bible tells me so.”  
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
So simple: God is love and He loves us. He loves you and me so much that He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die on a tortuous cross, rise victoriously from the dead and promise to gloriously return to take those He loves to heaven. NOT COMPLICATED!
How We Complicate Our Faith

• We pay too much attention to the world system that complicates everything!
• We feel we must figure everything out. We believe when we see it instead of believing then seeing it.
• We feel we have to help God out. Really? When is the last time Almighty God called you for advice or counsel?
• We trust ourselves more than we trust Jesus. OUCH!
• We fall into the trap of legalism…faith based on works of the law instead of the grace of God. The law of love is the one Jesus fulfilled. Pretty simple.
• We listen to other Christians who make a complicated mess of their faith.

How To Uncomplicate Our Faith

• Tune out and turn away from the complicated culture we live. Renounce complication. Embrace simplicity.
• Trust God to take care of business. He, yes He, has everything figured out for you and me! Proverbs 3:5-6 says so.
• The last time I checked God does not need Steve Roll’s help. Stop attempting to advise and assist God.
• Trust yourself less. Trust men even less. Trust God more.
• Spurn legalistic tendencies. Embrace the grace of God.
• Surround yourself with a few Christians who understand the simplicity of the Gospel and Christ-like living.
• Thank the Lord every day that life does not need to be complicated.

I have learned and am still learning how to stop making complicated what God has made simple.
Keeping life simple takes concentrated, diligent, consistent effort because complicated seems normal today. Almost natural. I tend to over-think, rationalize, justify, become anxious about and try to figure things out on my own. Some of you are wondering if I need counseling. Guess what? I counsel people for a living. I guide them to uncomplicate and simplify their lives. Interesting huh?
Maybe you and I should follow Jesus’ example and “Keep it simple stupid” (KISS)! Just a thought.
Uncomplicate your life by trusting in the Lord, obeying His Word and being filled with the Spirit every day. Simply walk joyfully through life by faith in Jesus who loves you.
Simple or complicated. You choose!
“But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” II Corinthians 11:3
A Word For Your Week: Simple, uncomplicated faith in Christ is life indeed.