Title (Wood) The Joy of Simplicity
Contents
Hymn: 344 (New Hymn 545) 'Even if I see no evidence in these eyes'
Meditation: As modern life becomes busier and more complex, interest in simple life is increasing. There is a western proverb that says, 'You can be happy when you wear light clothes in your life'. 'Simplicity' lightens the burden of life. In fact, living a good life of faith means becoming simpler than before. Power comes from this simplicity.
Confession of Faith: Apostles' Creed
Text: 'Beloved, I urge you, as aliens and sojourners, to control the lusts of the flesh, which fight against the soul... ' (1 Peter 2:11-12)
The text teaches how a simple life as a Christian is possible.
A simple life is possible when a Christian knows his identity. The Word of God describes the Christian identity in this way: “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and sojourners” (verse 11). ' Here, 'traveler' refers to a person who leaves home and wanders around unfamiliar places.
The saints according to the word of God are strangers. A Christian is a pilgrim on a sojourner's journey, longing for his heavenly home. The citizenship of the saints is not on earth, but in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
As such, once the saint knows his identity, he is freed from greed. At the bottom of verse 11 of the text, He says, 'Control the lusts of the flesh that fight against the soul.' Here, the 'flesh' is not a simple body, but the sinful nature of human beings. This is because the passion and greed that originate from this flesh interfere with a spiritual and simple life. However, if you know that it is a stranger's life, you can open your hands and live easily and simply.
True simplicity begins with trust. Simplicity means returning to an attitude of total dependence. As you can see from the Creation article, all creation is completely dependent on God. Humans are not independent and have no ability to stand on their own.
Man is neither the master of all things nor the master of the soul, but only a part of the creation order. What we need is not an arrogant rule, but a humble attitude of trust. Let's leave everything to God and live a simple, comfortable and happy day (Matthew 11:28-30). Hallelujah!
Prayer: God, grant me the simplicity of living this day with trust in You and trusting in You. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Lord's Prayer