My message on this Sunday is about the spiritual discipline of "Simplicity." While we might have the desire or need to get our lives better organized, I believe our faith also calls us into a discipline of removing those distractions that keep us from loving God and neighbor. We can get so bogged down with worldly things that we miss the center focus of our lives. Jesus gave us those two commandments - loving God and loving our neighbor - that would 'simplify' what it means to live out the commandments of God.
Yes, we need to think of what impinges on our putting first the kingdom of God. So many distractions can come our way. Even our anxieties can grip us. Think of our Lord's words about anxiety with food and clothing, where we are to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness and everything else will come to us! Matthew 6:33
For the apostle Paul, he wrote: "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." 1 Corinthian 2:2 Paul was able to reduce everything he had learned to this one event in history which became the center of his life.
I would invite you to reflect in how complex your life might have become and do you feel the need to simplify. May God's blessings be upon your reflection and worship this Sunday.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
Is there anything competing for your time that would prevent you from fully loving God and loving your neighbor?
What priorities might be indicated by your check book?