Keep It Simple

by Tim Howard

Many, if not most people have heard of the Ten Commandments, even though they may not be able to quote them verbatim. Exodus chapter 20 records them for us and they go like this. “Do not worship any other gods besides me. “Do not make idols of any kind, … “Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God. “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God… “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God will give you. “Do not murder. “Do not commit adultery. “Do not steal. “Do not testify falsely against your neighbor. “Do not covet your neighbor’s house, your neighbor’s wife … or anything else your neighbor owns.”

These Ten Commandments are also called the 10 Laws of God. They are given to guide and help us discover the best way to relate to Him, others and the world around us. Someone said these are not the 10 Demand-ments from God but the 10 Commandments because He doesn’t force anyone to follow His ways.

In the course of history, religious leaders have added to these 10 commandments more and more laws, numbering in the 100’s and in doing so created a complex system and complicated things greatly. Jesus, however, comes to us in New Testament times and brings us back to simplicity. In response to a man’s question about what is the greatest law, Jesus made this reply: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ This is the first and greatest commandment” The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

He sums up the whole law, whether it is 10 divine commands or 100 man-made ones, and brings life back into focus by giving two clear, concise, simple and yet profound truths.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, before he died at the hands of the Nazis, said, “To be simple is to fix one’s eye solely on the simple truth of God at a time when all concepts are being confused, distorted, and turned upside down.” That was the Apostle Paul’s prayer for certain people, which is recorded in 2 Corinthians 11. He prayed for them to maintain a clear view of God and not be removed from the simplicity of the gospel.

Jesus lived a simple life and advocates a simple lifestyle, even in the 21^st century. He did not intend to promote a simplistic way of thinking nor a shallow way of living because life can get twisted, tangled and downright difficult at times. Easy and simple are not always synonymous terms. Even though life is not always easy, the answers to all of life’s challenges can be found as you simply look in one direction. “Up”

David said it well in Psalms 121. “I will lift up my eyes … where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

You may not be able to quote the 10 Commandments to someone who asks but maybe you could remember, recall and repeat the two Jesus gave. Love God with all you have and love your neighbor as yourself. Keep it simple!