Simple Faith

What is simple faith?

Simple faith is a possession universally sought after yet a gem so rare few ever obtain even a glimpse of its power and majesty. Simple faith is the Star of Christmas plainly set as a solitaire in the universe by God himself, announcing the entrance of the King of Kings. In one twinkling moment, the Star conveyed its complete and simple message to all who lifted eyes toward heaven to bask in the light of his glory.

Simplicity

Simple faith is the silhouette of an old rugged cross. Its eternal message is as simply complete as the cross is empty of any human form. With truths so simple on full display, how does what is divinely simple become complex?

Complexity, the greatest Stumbling Block

Complexity is a work of men and women. The moment the quest for simple faith strays from the solitary path that leads to the narrow gate of Matthew 7:13 it morphs into what soon becomes frustratingly complex. Something complex is made up of two or more simple components. Simplicity, by definition alone, is that which has been reduced to its most basic elements; nothing extraneous remains.

When considering simple faith one must reduce the concept of faith until it stands alone in its unadorned glory, separate from what is both complex and commonplace in the world of humankind. Seekers seldom find that for which they search because they look for the complex and don’t even notice that which is pure, eternal, and supernatural in its simplicity.

Simple Faith

For Christians, faith reduced to its most basic element is nothing more than believing that God is who he says he is and will do all he promised. Simple faith is nothing less and nothing more than that. Simple faith has no room for the baggage of liturgy, denomination, philosophy, or scholarly expansion added by any mortal man or woman.

Any statement of faith that begins with “God is”, then adds “but” or “and” has already veered away from what is perfectly complete in its simplicity. With that first caveat, what was simple becomes encrusted with layers of concrete upon sand, becoming a structure built on a foundation that can never support it.

Simple faith comes from a simple beginning. When Jesus Christ says, “Come unto me”, those who hear their Shepherd’s voice begin to follow. All of life and eternity becomes simple. No matter where we are or what our circumstances, when our Shepherd says “Come” we have no more complex decision to make than to simply move our feet and follow.

Simple Truth

Simplicity is not progressive. Simplicity is eternal. Simplicity is neither independent nor relative. Simplicity is truth. Simplicity is peace, joy, and love.

Jesus was born. Jesus died. Jesus rose again. Jesus will return for you. He promised. It’s that simple.

copyright 2010