We live in a complex world. We are way into the umpteenth generation of cell phones and I have yet to figure out the copy machine. I doubt I will ever catch up.
There is nothing wrong with complexity. As we grow older we desire more complexity—in our book plots, our jigsaw puzzles, our hobbies, and even in our work. We would not be content to remain unchallenged.
We also know that God values complexity. Just look at our world and our own bodies. However, each new new year does remind me that despite the complexity that surrounds us, we do not have to live complicated lives.
One source explains the difference between complexity and complicated as such:
Complexity refers to the inherent nature of something that is composed of many interconnected parts. . . . Complication, on the other hand, refers to the addition of extraneous elements . . . making it more difficult to understand or navigate.
Complicated systems are not necessarily complex, but they are often made so by the presence of unnecessary or redundant elements.
Complicated systems . . . can be simplified by removing unnecessary elements . . . . (Complexity VS Complication)
I am as guilty as the next person in complicating my life. I will layer obligation onto existing obligations, add one more activity to an already busy day, stress a more than adequate budget by buying one unnecessary purchase after another, or create dialogues in my head about discussions that may not need to take place.
We need to simplify. Remove those unnecessary elements. And perhaps some of us need a fresh set of eyes to help us recognize the “unnecessary.”
The Bible says as much. Though each of these verses has a larger context from which it is pulled, each asserts the idea of simplicity, whether in possessions, achievements, or life in general.
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. – 1 Timothy 6:6-8
“And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind” Ecclesiastes 4:4
Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5
Rather God wants us to be focused in our approach to life. As one writer said, “There is only so much ‘space’ in our lives. Through a simple lifestyle, we can use more of that ‘space' for the mission we’re on.” (The Importance of Simple Living)
No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. – 2 Timothy 2:4.
Singleness of purpose and simplicity in living equals a contented life.
* * * *
(If you haven’t seen the movie The World’s Fastest Indian (available on Amazon Prime) or read the book Life is So Good by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman, I would encourage you to do so. Both demonstrate a life of focus, simplicity, and contentment.
There is nothing wrong with complexity. As we grow older we desire more complexity—in our book plots, our jigsaw puzzles, our hobbies, and even in our work. We would not be content to remain unchallenged.
We also know that God values complexity. Just look at our world and our own bodies. However, each new new year does remind me that despite the complexity that surrounds us, we do not have to live complicated lives.
One source explains the difference between complexity and complicated as such:
Complexity refers to the inherent nature of something that is composed of many interconnected parts. . . . Complication, on the other hand, refers to the addition of extraneous elements . . . making it more difficult to understand or navigate.
Complicated systems are not necessarily complex, but they are often made so by the presence of unnecessary or redundant elements.
Complicated systems . . . can be simplified by removing unnecessary elements . . . . (Complexity VS Complication)
I am as guilty as the next person in complicating my life. I will layer obligation onto existing obligations, add one more activity to an already busy day, stress a more than adequate budget by buying one unnecessary purchase after another, or create dialogues in my head about discussions that may not need to take place.
We need to simplify. Remove those unnecessary elements. And perhaps some of us need a fresh set of eyes to help us recognize the “unnecessary.”
The Bible says as much. Though each of these verses has a larger context from which it is pulled, each asserts the idea of simplicity, whether in possessions, achievements, or life in general.
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. – 1 Timothy 6:6-8
“And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind” Ecclesiastes 4:4
Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5
Rather God wants us to be focused in our approach to life. As one writer said, “There is only so much ‘space’ in our lives. Through a simple lifestyle, we can use more of that ‘space' for the mission we’re on.” (The Importance of Simple Living)
No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. – 2 Timothy 2:4.
Singleness of purpose and simplicity in living equals a contented life.
* * * *
(If you haven’t seen the movie The World’s Fastest Indian (available on Amazon Prime) or read the book Life is So Good by George Dawson and Richard Glaubman, I would encourage you to do so. Both demonstrate a life of focus, simplicity, and contentment.
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