KISS

KISS = Keep It Simple Stupid!

That's how I was reminded to make things uncomplicated! I have another version of this which I'll save to the end. First, let's look at our next nuggget.

2 Corinthians 1:12 tells us about Paul living in simplicity "For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you"


When we approach this Christmas season and see the shopping complexes get all decked out in their best finery which they have planned months for, there are three possible approaches we can take.
One is to get all excited and hyped up that Christmas is coming. In two weeks time, Christians and so-called Christians will be gathering to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It would appear that the commercial world is celebrating together with us! Look at all the sales!

The second approach is to get irritated by this commercialism. It is hardly befitting the celebration of the Messiah born in a lowly manger. "He would never condone such blatant exploitation of his birth", we could say. "In fact, it is most likely that His birth was not even in December"! Or even, "Christmas has pagan origins - check it out".

Another approach could be of total indifference. So what if there are people out there who want to make money from this event? Let them. They have to eat. So what if they deck out the places to encourage people to buy buy buy. Time are hard and we need some good cheer. What are you getting so wound up about? Don't be a spoilsport.

And so it could go on.

But

Let's have another take to this. In some ways, all three approaches are right. There is truth in each of them. A balance is needed.

More importantly, a focus is essential. When you have a focus, then the balance can be struck.

For Paul, he kept it simple. He was more focused on getting the gospel message out, to see lives saved, to finish the task he felt God had given him. So he was not interested in the trimmings and trappings. He lived simply. His abundance was exhibited towards the people he was ministering to. Not to himself.


Paul had his focus clearly before him as he lived the latter part of his life. Many of us lack that.

One little boy can give us a good example. Meet Brendan Foster. Brendan died of leukemia, aged 11 years, on November 21 2008. His dying wish was to see the homeless fed. All across America, people heard about this and did so. His little short life made an impact. Turn up your sound.

More about him in THIS.

Folks, let's keep the main thing the main thing.

Let's Keep It Simply Simple.