Have you ever said and done things that are contrary to your Christian faith? Reacting to a situation in anger or choosing to give in to the world, the flesh, and the devil? Same. Sometimes life gets overwhelming and the demands of life and ministry stress me out. But guess what? God is gracious, His word is true, and a fresh start is a prayer away. And there’s no better time like the present to trade that stressful schedule for simplicity in Christ.
The pandemic has broken the cycle of busyness for some of us, forcing us to stay in our homes and make different choices with our time. Maybe you’ve felt that nudge from the Holy Spirit to purge your life of the unnecessary. I know I have.
Even though this isn’t our preferred reality, there are blessings in it. We’re getting more quality time with our family, being more intentional to get outside and enjoy walks, and tackling those home improvement projects we normally put off because of our stressful schedules.
Besides the physical blessings of sheltering in place, there have been some spiritual blessings for me as well. The Lord has been pressing it upon my heart to simplify my life and focus on what truly matters. He is urging me to redirect my attention and reexamine my priorities.
What is simplicity in Christ?
Simplicity is the absence of complexity. Simplicity in Christ is a single-mindedness of bringing God the glory He deserves. It’s eliminating the distractions and establishing new routines that better equip us to make disciples and draw us closer to Christ.
Maybe you’re learning like I have that we just don’t have to do all the things. I’m purging, planning, preparing, and putting my time to better use for His glory and to further His kingdom.
COVID-19 is creating an atmosphere that’s conducive to change.
Sometimes we get so busy with life that we put our relationship with Christ on the back-burner. Or we are too involved in other things that we don’t properly devote ourselves to the ministry of reconciliation that God has entrusted to us. (2Cor. 5:18)
Our priorities get jumbled. We get out of balance and drift away from the basics of our faith.
A biblical example of simplicity in Christ
2Corinthians 1:12 KJV ~ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
The apostle Paul ministered to the church at Corinth in simplicity and godly sincerity. That means he was free of pretense and hypocrisy and was single-minded, with one intent to glorify God with his life. He didn’t have another agenda. Can you and I say the same thing about our life?
Why should we care about the simplicity of Christ?
I feel a sense of urgency to let go of the things that weigh me down and wear me out, because it seems like current events are preparing the path to the Tribulation. That means the Rapture is just on the horizon.
Then our time on earth will be over. Our opportunity to win souls and make disciples will be gone. And we will appear before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of our stewardship of the gospel.
I want to hear “well-done thou good and faithful servant”. (Matt. 25:21) And have crowns to cast at the feet of my King. (Rev. 4:10) Don’t you?
Sometimes we’re so distracted by the demands of life that we lose our sense of direction and get drawn away from Jesus. We overcomplicate things, but we need to get back to the simplicity of Christ, loving Him, living for Him, and leading others to Him. It’s all about Jesus. Everything comes from Him, is for Him, to Him, and through Him.
Jesus is all we need.
Revelation 4:11 KJV ~ Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
How do we find simplicity in Christ?
Everyone is asking when these restrictions will lift and when we can get back to “normal life”. I don’t think life will ever be the same. We’ll have a new normal to adjust to when COVID-19 clears. Honestly, I don’t think I want to return to the busyness of my old life. Simple is good for me.
We can find that simplicity in Christ by prioritizing time with Him in prayer, praise, and putting the word of God in. And by replacing time-wasters with kingdom-builders.
If you want to trade your stressful schedule for simplicity in Christ, then:
- Examine where you’re investing your time, talent, treasures, and trust.
- Eliminate what draws you away from the purpose God has given you. And eliminate excuses!
- Equip yourself for the ministry God has called you to. Read your Bible and Christian resources, study the Bible, listen to sermons, and feed the Spirit. Connect with Christ!
- Establish new habits and routines that foster growth in your relationship with Christ.
Use this time of testing to grow in grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. (2Peter 3:18) Take what the enemy means for evil and allow God to turn it for good. (Gen. 50:20)
Besides, there’s only so much Netflix you can watch, right?
Ephesians 5:15-16 KJV ~ See then that ye walk circumspection, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Find simplicity in Christ for yourself
Do you want less stress and more Jesus? The choice is yours. Will you examine your life, eliminate excuses and excess, equip yourself for your mission, and establish essential habits to ensure spiritual maturity? Or will you continue to place your time, talent, treasures, and trust in temporal pleasures and worldly endeavors that don’t matter for eternity?
When we trade our stressful schedules for simplicity in Christ, we ensure we will emerge from this wilderness with a fat and flourishing soul.
For more articles on stress or simplicity in Christ:
How to be Sober in Stressful Times
4 Signs of a Stressed-Out Servant and 4 Steps to Restore Spiritual Serenity
The Importance of a Sober Mind for Spiritual Stability
From Worry to Worship~ Shifting your focus from the “What ifs” to “What is”
New Resource Library
I have created a resource library with tools for spiritual growth here at Daily His Disciple. This includes a 17-page guide to How to Study the Bible, complete with step-by-step instructions, study sheets, and much more! There are also bookmarks and scripture lists for topical study and memorization (including 14 Scriptures for a Sober Mind). Simply enter your email address and hit subscribe to get the link to the resource library and the password.
Besides the resources, you will get my blog posts in your email. I only post weekly or bi-weekly, so I won’t flood your inbox.
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Pray With Confidence
Prayer is essential in finding simplicity in Christ. If you would like to grow in your prayer life, then check out Pray with Confidence. It’s a website for helping women overcome prayer obstacles, and I am one of the regular contributors. Here are a few links I think will be a blessing to you:
3 Short Prayers for Spiritual Stability
15 Bible Verses About Rest When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
You also want to check out the prayer resources, Bible verses, and tough questions tabs. There are many great options to boost your spiritual growth!
A Godsend! Bless u!
“Simplicity is the absence of complexity”. I love that statement! So simple yet so incredibly profound. I too feel an urgency to keep a singleness of focus on Christ. Thank you for this encouragement.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts Megan. You’re a blessing! 🙂