The Need to Simplify

It's probably never been harder for God's men to keep things simple. We go to the workplace where we are encouraged to multi-task, to do more with less, to produce, to perform. Our free time is packed with activities, commitments, things to do, places to see. Our few quiet moments become time to plan our next onslaught of items on our never-ending to-do list. Why have we bought into the notion that life has to constantly move at warp-speed? Why have we allowed our lives to become so cluttered and unbalanced?

Chuck Swindoll once said, "Every time I officiate at a funeral, I'm reminded of the things that really matter--things that last. Stuff that seemed so all-fired important yesterday loses steam when you stand on a windswept hill surrounded by weather-beaten grave markers. At that moment, something from within you cries: Simplify!"

As we read the Gospel accounts of Jesus life, we see a man who never hurried through life, never tried to multi-task, never tried to live up to someone else's (beside God's) agenda. He took time to rest, took time to be alone, took time to enjoy the people he loved the most, took time to rejoice with those who rejoiced and mourn with those who mourned. He served his Father without apology and refused to be sidetracked by meaningless pursuits. He chose a small group of men to pour into so they could carry on his ministry. He avoided tempting opportunities that could drain time, energy and resources.

When his earthly life was about to end, Jesus could boldly and confidently say: "It is finished" (John 19:30). His mission was complete and he did it without burning out trying to meet other people's expectations. Maybe it's time for us to simplify as well. Maybe we need to be reminded that God's creation didn't collapse after he took a day of rest. Maybe it's time to realize that winning the rat race only means you get to be the number one rat. Maybe it's time to remember that if we don't balance our lives, somebody less qualified will do it for us.