There is the way to be simple without being simplistic - the way of Christ. This is the way we are encouraged to follow.

Paul warned Corinthians not to turn away "from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3). Earlier in the same letter, he referred to his lifestyle as the one of "simplicity and godly sincerity" (2 Corinthians 1:12). Being an intellectual, Paul knew how tempting "fleshly wisdom" could be. But he was aware of the fact that it was not enough, that there are certain things that cannot be understood with our heads.

"I thank You, O Father... because You have hidden these things from the sophisticated and cunning, and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight" (Matthew 11:25,26), said Jesus.

When I come to a bookstore and browse through pages of some modern spiritual publications, sometimes it seems to me that simplicity of Jesus in an offence for many in our generation. Certain books give an impression that it is almost impossible to comprehend God without extensive knowledge of Biblical history, complex theological theories, and time-consuming spiritual practices.

At the same time, there is another extreme. Some preachers are obsessed with idea of "the foolishness of the gospel" up to the point where they actually adopt some pretty foolish and simplistic ideas of how life works. They write off as non-existent everything that does not fit their minds. All things are plain and clear to them - there are no mysteries to be revealed, no discoveries to be made.

Not so long ago, I received an e-mail with a "prayer", written by one famous minister. The message promised that it will take less than 7 seconds to repeat this prayer, and, as a result, I will experience a miracle tomorrow. Surely, it look less than 7 seconds to send this "prayer" to a trash box - not because I don't believe in miracles, but because I know that "get-rich-quick" and "get-a-miracle-quick" schemes are not working, neither in physical world, nor in God's kingdom.

It is good to believe in God's love and grace. However, I am bothered when these concepts are being repeatedly used (or, to say it better, abused) in order to justify spiritual laziness, shallow and superficial mentality. There is a vast difference between being enlightened and being self-deluded.

Certain truths, being simple by themselves, could take a lifetime to understand and to practice.

Jesus was simple, but that was a quality of not a simpleton, but of genius. All great discoveries are a reduction from complexity to simplicity, and this perfectly applies to the teaching of Jesus. He reduced hundreds of Mosaic laws to two fundamental principles: love God, and love your neighbor. That was simplicity.

Being simple, we strive to look for the essence in all things - in ourselves, in other people, in our experiences. We don't run to and fro, asking others for their opinions. We don't drown ourselves in small and insignificant details. We meditate. We get in touch with Christ within ourselves, being confident that His wisdom and His guidance are sufficient for us.

Being simple, we do not overload ourselves with possessions. Since we come to the knowledge that we live in God, we realize that abundant provision is already prepared for all our needs. We don't need to hoard wealth out of fear that we might be left alone. This will never happen.

Being simple, we know that our only need is to live in conscious union with indwelling Christ, to "abide in Him". When this is done, all things will be added to us, in God's order.

(to be continued)