Simplicity and Second Chances
Simplicity is very important for those wishing to follow Christ. Jesus condemned the religious leaders of the day, stating that they had purposely complicated faith in order to constrain individuals. In essence the message of faith is relatively straightforward. God created us with the will to choose, and we chose to ignore it. But through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus; He lessened the distance between us giving us a ‘Second Chance’ to choose God. Some of us will accept his gift, others will refuse it. Nonetheless, he remains the God of ‘Second Chances’. All we need do is say ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ it is that simple.
Our God truly is a ‘second chance’ God. He wants us to make more of an effort. He wills it for us. The love the second chance God proposes draws the Christian into the truth. Were you ever given second chances by your mother or a grandparent; how many second chances did they give you? I know; it was never ending and so it is with God.
Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, distress, persecution, lack of money? Not at all; for in all of these things we are more than conquerors through him who loves us. For we should be convinced that neither death, nor life, nor things present, or to come, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of our ‘second chance’ God, in Christ Jesus our Lord. (based on Rom 8: 37-9)
‘Make up your own the mind about Christ Jesus: Who being in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. But he emptied himself taking the form of a slave’ (Philippians 2.6-7). Simplicity can lead us straight to the kingdom of God. In tandem, it wins for us the affection of others; for they can trust and love us, for we do not involve ourselves in tricks, cheating or deceptions. Simplicity is no more than an act of charity has, with the single purpose of gaining the love of God. Our soul is then truly simple, when we have no aim at all but this, in all we do – (St. Francis de Sales).
Too much wealth and possessions can keep us from God: the parable of the rich fool instructs us that amassing substantial luxury and affluence may distract us from God and tempt us to feel that real contentment and pleasure can come from what we possess materially. However, simplicity of lifestyle encourages us to trust more in God that in our personal capabilities. Simplicity of life props up mission: so by living simply, we are not attached to our own plans, designs or ambitions. Simplicity also allows for pastoral mobility because change isn’t feared. It also encourages pastoral contributions: if our lives are congested and in the grip of possessions, eating, drinking, shopping, luxurious travel and holidays you might soon determine that you will have a short measure of time or energy to pour out yourself in generous service to others. It is a witness to the world: offering moral example; inspiring others to practise generosity and altruism, justice and charity. It is also a relentless reminder to others that this world, we reside in, is not our perpetual home, it is more a transitional stage. Simplicity of life nurtures unity with the poor: when we live simply, we are often nearer to those who are poor because we appreciate their predicament and they feel more able to approach us.
God loves those founded in simplicity, and talks with them willingly, conveying the of his truths, because he disposes of these at his will. He does not deal so, however with arrogant and devious spirits (St. Francis de Sales).
Have you ever listened to children converse and play with each other? It is all so simplistic. It’s only when they mature a little, and start influencing their words to make their point, to persuade their peers, and also to disguise their mistakes, that they begin complicating their world-view. Have you ever thought how different the world would be if you declined to say anything but the simple truth. Truth conveyed in love is always going to be superior. For it liberates both parties to the extent that communication becomes clear as crystal, for as we heard previously, it has no plan to deceive or mislead. Wouldn’t it be a inspirational and invigorating way to live in this transitional stage?
