SIMPLE & SMALL IS STILL BEAUTIFUL

Books upon books, sermons upon sermons, teachings upon teachings have all been done on the subjects of theology, philosophy, and evangelization.  Two of my previous mentors have been giving the same message, saying the same words about revival for over forty years.  Classes and programs on discipleship have come and gone and come again over the years.  All of these are good things, important things, things that I have participated in for most of my life.  But at some point one has to consider and ask; are they making a difference in the Church, in the world, or more important in the lives of individuals?

As I grow older I find myself changing from my youthful zeal to know everything under the sun about everything, especially about Religion.  Now I find myself zealous to deaccumulate much of what I have read, heard, and studied.  I find myself withdrawing from the multitude of teachers I surrounded myself with, attending conference after conference, and reading book after book.  For a season it was good…but a new season has come.  I find myself content with the One teacher Jesus sent to teach me; the very One I began my Christian Journey with.  I find myself keeping clear and far from the maddening crowd of “mega this” and “super sized that”, and returning to my “small is beautiful” way of life.

The big, loud, and overly assertive Christian Movement wasn’t sustainable for me.  Celebrity Christianity wasn’t sustainable for me.  I found myself seeking the still small voice simply saying, “Come and follow me”.  I found myself contently nourished with the knowledge and wisdom I found in the Scriptures and in watching nature as they revealed God to in a holistic and organic way.  I found myself satisfied and at peace in the silence and stillness of the sacred times I spend with God, alone in His Presence.

Jesus came to give life.  When I abide in that life the theology, philosophy, and evangelization will come quietly and fully to support that life.  As to the books, sermons, and teachings, I take care; sometimes having too much of a good thing can be distracting and just as destructive as not having anything.