Week 9 — Wednesday: Keep It Simple

Matthew 6:1-7 

Have you been a Christian long enough that you thought prayers, especially public prayers, should be in King James English, or there were special “Christian” ways to do things? Fortunately, someone decided that simplicity could add to the depth of Christian practice. 

One of the primary principles of good preaching is to K.I.S.S. your listeners. “Keep It Simple, Sir (or Sister).” This is what Jesus was saying about our prayer and devotional lives. In Jewish tradition, there is the “holy way.” You cook and eat kosher and leave the lights on because you do not work on Sabbath. Jesus is telling us that it doesn’t have to be that complicated. Following Jesus allows us to slip into worship any time, any place. 

When you want to pray, just slip off to a private place, or just shut everything else out and converse with the King of the Universe. Yes, it is a good thing to have a quiet place, or we can train ourselves to “go aside” in the midst of noise and calamity and have some time with Almighty God, asking His guidance. So the purpose of prayer is not to make a big show about how holy we are but simply an opportunity to have a conversation with God to praise Him and ask for guidance and direction. 

Physicians tell us that taking a short break from eating can sharpen our thoughts and enhance our prayer life. So fasting is not an opportunity to demonstrate holiness and misery but an opportunity to sharpen our senses for greater communication with God. 

Giving offerings is important in worship. We know the great good that generosity does in the world. Offerings are not an opportunity for show but a way of honoring God. 

So, Jesus says, KEEP IT SIMPLE! Get off in a quiet spot and talk with God in any language you like! Give generously and quietly. Fast secretly. Keep it simple.

—CONTRIBUTED BY DR. JIM HUCKABA—

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