Too often I see well-meaning people complicate simple things. It can be a recipe, a task even the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Frequently church has become a place of “higher education” only to be challenged in circumstances or situations where the rubber meets the road.I have the tendency myself to make things complicated, and simplify what needs to remain complicated! One of the greatest obstacles to seeing good things happen is our practice of the “not necessary.” This morning one of my birthday girls, asked me to give an example. This was my response.

We make rules for things for instance. Parenting becomes harder the more rules you have. Rules or boundaries in relationships cause hurt feelings and unmet expectations. Rules in church make people feel condemned. Unspoken rules in workplaces build cliques. (You may not have time but you may want to read this at some point.)

The answer to parenting is teach your child to honor and to listen to God. The answer is relationship is honor and love. The answer in church is the same. Too many think renewing the mind is learning all they can. That is not true. It is really coming to the understanding of how much He loves you.

I continued on to share with her that I may meditate on one scripture for a year. Last week revealed something I need to review and think about it. Conceptually it is fairly easy to understand, but I want it to be part of my being. To be part of my “root system.”

I share with her the point “that many feel condemned because they “don’t get” it but the reality of it is that Jesus preached for 8 minutes on the sermon on the mount, where there was no New Testament and that is what they lived on. What good is scripture (the living word) if it does not bring life to you and others?” I asked.

What value does going on without having something be resilient in our being do? For instance, am I the only one who is frustrated with the recent new wave of “new, new math?” Or that children need to spend months to “relearn” what they were taught the previous year? What is the relevance?

So, why would I want a church people to be able to say it or parrot something, but not see it as living in their life? Far better to take time with the Lord and see something revealed that is not only revelation but relevant and usable.

Some simple “rules” for understanding Jesus.

• Simply believe on Him and you shall Him move in.
• God is good…all the time.
• He loves you…all the time.
• He gives grace to you to empower you…all the time.
• He is merciful…all the time.
• His loving kindness is towards you…all the time.
• He has given you faith to operate with…all the time.
• He is rest…all the time.
• He looks at you and sees good…all the time.
• He is everywhere…all the time.
• His culture and atmosphere is honor, grace and mercy…all the time.

I am sure you can think of many more, but the bottom line is God loves you and He is an “all the time” God.

Enjoy the simplicity of His goodness and love.