Simplicity v. Sophistication

One-hit wonders.

One-note people.

Society looks down on artists and people who hit the same note, who sing the same refrain over and over again. Repetition is undesirable in the face of variety and novelty. Simplicity and clarity is overlooked in favor of awe-inspiring complexity.

I can’t help but think that all the noise and dazzling display of intricately woven schemes and ever-more-preposterous displays is designed to hide the emptiness at the core.

I can’t help but wonder if we, believers in Jesus Christ, followers of The Way, have traded the beautiful, weighty simplicity that He offers for something more eye-catching yet vacuous.

Jesus boiled whole books of law and prophecy down to two commands: Love the Lord your God and Love your neighbor.

Jesus welcomed the simple, earnest, joyful faith of children.

Jesus healed sick people and fed hungry people.

Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m with you.”

Every story. Every parable. Every account of where He walked and what He said. The same refrains over and over.

In the same way, the disciple and apostle Peter, when writing his 2nd letter, said in verse 12: “I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder…and I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.”

So, maybe…

When we find ourselves recounting the same truths that have dug deep into us…

When we recognize repeated themes in our lives of what God is saying…

We would do well to embrace them rather than despise them.

Knowing that Jesus kept it simple and repeated Himself. His disciples kept it simple and repeated themselves.
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If we’re simple, clear, and continue to repeat refrains of Truth, we stand in good company.