Simplicity

I just started Richard Foster’s book titled Freedom of Simplicity. He wrote this book 25 years ago and if our culture was driven to materialism then… we are in the midst of a frenzy now. His dedication made me smile. He says, “To Dallas Willard whose life reflects the grace of simplicity in all its manifold complexity”. I like what he says right off because he acknowledges that simplicity is anything but simplistic. The complexity of simplicity is just another paradox given to us by the Jesus. Like the only way to find out life is to lose it (Matt 10:39); or in giving we receive (Luke 6:38); or the Prince of Peace brings the Sword of division (Matt 10:34).

The paradoxes of simplicity are many: Foster says the simplicity is both a grace and a discipline. Foster says that simplicity is easy and difficult at the same time. He says that there are inner and outer manifestations of simplicity that must find balance. Lastly, he says that there is some goodness in our material wealth but it must be a limited good.

I think simplicity is the ability to keep focused on Jesus and all the other stuff in our lives assumes its rightful place in comparison.

Lord grant me simplicity in my life and help me practice it in living. DKU