Keep It Simple

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:7-11 ESV). Recently I found some old notes from one of my dear friends, Kent Marrs. It contained “The Ten Commandments in Cajun.” It may not be “politically correct,” but it spoke to me in several ways. First, let me list them for you to read them: 1. God is number one... and das' All. 2. Don't pray to nuthin' or nobody... jus' God. 3. Don't cuss nobody... 'specially da Good Lord. 4. When it be Sunday... put yo'self in God's House. 5. Yo mama an' yo daddy dun did it all... lissen to dem. 6. Killin' duck an' fish, das' OK... people - No! 7. God done give you a wife... sleep wit' jus' her. 8. Don't take nobody's boat... or nuttin' else. 9. Don't go wantin' somebody's stuff. 10. Stop lyin'... yo tongue gonna fall out yo mouf. They are offered not in ridicule of any culture, but as an example of how simple the commandments of God really are. It is not complicated philosophy or theology. As the psalmist says in our reading this morning: The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” I need it to be simple. Not long ago Mary and I went shopping to purchase a new patio set. We looked at several different “big box” stores. We finally found one we liked; however, they only had the floor model and could not sell it. So, we travelled to a nearby city and did find it at that location. The problem: it required home assembly! Being somewhat handy with that sort of thing, I thought it would be no problem at all. However, after unpacking all the pieces, it became very apparent that I needed to follow the instructions! I did and everything turned out perfect, even though it took nearly four hours! I shouldn’t have been surprised, though I was. Whenever we follow the manufacturer’s instructions usually the project turns out just fine. So it is with God’s instructions for our lives. It isn’t complicated. Keep it simple and follow His ways. It will bring you “great reward.” Make that your commitment this Lenten season. Focus on those things and receive the joy He desires to pour into your heart!