Keep It Simple

Still others, like seed sown among the thorns, hear the word;
but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things
come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Mark 4:18,19 (NIV)

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon declared “There is nothing new under the sun.” The words of scripture in Mark above were spoken by Jesus some 2,000 years ago. We like to think that the pull of a busy lifestyle is a symbol of our modernity but it must have also been an issue in Jesus’ time.

It’s easy to become entangled in day-to-day living to such an extent that the Word takes second, third, fourth or last place. We will always be pulled in more directions that we are able to go. Unless we say “No”, we can become completely tied up in the trivial and unimportant things this world has to offer. These trivial pursuits are like lead weights that prevent us from soaring in the things of God. In no time, they choke the Word out of our hearts, leaving us helpless, without faith and without power.

In the western world we especially need to be alert, because of our many “things” which need to be maintained. We have homes, cars, pets, and clothes, among other things, clamoring for upkeep. Upon fulfilling our multitude of maintenance chores, there is not much time left to maintain our spiritual lives.

In order for God’s Word to have fertile ground, we need to simplify our lives. There is nothing more important than spending time with God. Our daily schedules must be prioritized around spending time with God.

When committing to something new, we need to pause to count the cost – not just in money, but also in time. Ask yourself: Is this a good investment of my precious time? Can I spare the hours and minutes this activity or possession will require and still have plenty of time to spend with the Lord? Can I afford this spiritually?

If you can’t honestly answer “yes” to all of these questions, then set things aside. As we choose to make God our first priority, we are blessed far beyond the trivial pleasures of the world. Contrary to the seed among the thorns, we are at peace, God is our source and wealth is a tool, He is our hearts desire and our lives are fruitful.

Will you choose to keep it simple? Now, that’s the choice-driven life!

Today’s Bible Reading: 

2 Kings 20; Isa 38-40; 1 Cor 11; Ps 68

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