Towards Simplicity

03.06.09

J.A. Matteson

"Yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake." Philippians 1:24

By sojourning with the Lord in faithful obedience the manifest outcome for the Apostle was simplicity. Spiritual discernment entails distinguishing between the simple and the complex, cultivating the former while mortifying the later. The tendency of the flesh is to interpret life through the prism of complexity which distresses the mind and dilutes spiritual fruitfulness. The orientation of simplicity is always towards the cross while complexity redirects the mind to the cares of the flesh and the world, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). Inherent to the fallen nature is complexity and the saint finds himself frustrated in his progress towards simplicity, “For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members” (Romans 7:22-23).

Simplicity perceives that the Lord’s bond-servant functions in the world as His conduit of grace and that His Master strategically places him in settings in accordance to His purposes of redemption, “my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else” (Philippians 1:13). Simplicity does not consider strange the circumstances of Providence, but rejoices in the knowledge that the redemptive current of grace engineered by the Lord is apt to flow through the life that remains in the Vine, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). Simplicity is Christo-centric while complexity is ego-centric; simplicity joyfully endures temporal harsh earthly realities with a view towards the surpassing eternal benefit of things not seen; simplicity reckons time immortal a precious jewel and considers the gain of this world as muck, “eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Complexity is innate and instantaneous to the Adamic nature, simplicity is counterintuitive to the flesh and progressive in its development, “for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4:11).

Complexity hungers for glory from men; simplicity delights in honor from God. Complexity is prideful and persuaded it is entitled to be served; simplicity serves others as unto the Lord. Complexity filters decisions through the rubric of a personal cost-benefit analysis; simplicity is consumed with pleasing the Lord, “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). Grace is tenacious and Providence lovingly affords unique twists and turns in each saint’s pilgrimage, lovingly designed to yoke his constitution to simplicity by breaking the bonds of complexity. The Apostle in personal reflection displays the simplicity which the Spirit cultivates, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). The bond-servant of the Lord who engenders simplicity will yield much fruit for his Master. And its characteristic concern is that the fruit of simplicity be developed in others through the Gospel, “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:10).

While on pilgrimage the saint’s heart rests in green pastures alongside still waters, and on that Day the fruit of his life—evidence of the indwelling Spirit—will bring praise, glory, and honor from the Author of simplicity, “Well done, good and faithful slave…enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21).

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