The Simple Life
or Simplicity in Life?
Everything in life is best maintained simple except things related to God; yes, for example, our ‘faith in God’ or ‘love in God’ must NEVER be simple but is better when it is more, even extraordinary if possible (goal of a Christian) to “please Him”.
How to “please God” more?
(i) More than a simple faith (for a simple faith only pleases Him simply):
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
(ii) Doing more good and sharing
“And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16)
(iii) Not living in the “flesh” (“sinful” self-based desires of this world.. from ‘love of money’ to women (not wife), indulgences of pleasure, etc.)
“Those who are in (the realm of) the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:8)
(iv) Keep away from evil and abide in His Light (being filled with His Love instead)
“for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.” (Ephesians 5:8 – 12)
(v) Love one another
“Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; ” (1 Thessalonians 4:9)
(vi) Practice your ‘daily life’ in accordance to this principle
“and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11 – 12)
(vii) Do all the above and His other commands —> “even more”—> and “excel even more”
“for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, ” (1 Thessalonians 4:10)
