Spiritual Simplicity

Scripture – John 10:37-42: Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp. Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Even though I serve as one of the so-called religious leaders of my day, I’ve always found myself more comfortable with the people “across the Jordan.” It continues to strike me that people without formal education and/or theological training have a much easier time believing in Jesus. Maybe they have less to unlearn. Or maybe they haven’t intellectualized their faith. That is, they have room for simple belief without having to explain everything. I don’t know how my car works, but I use it most every day. Likewise, I don’t know how my faith works, but I live in it every day. The fact is, my whole life is better because of that – because of Him. I don’t have to understand how that happens to enjoy it as a gift.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will live in simple faith. At the same time, I will continue to read and think and grow intellectually. God gave me a brain to use. He gives me faith to live.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, whatever happens today, I will continue to trust you. Please keep me open to new ideas and concepts. Help me listen to the perspectives of other people. Yet, in all of that, let me never substitute knowledge for faith. Thank you.