So Simple

Anyone who has been a Christian for any amount of time will know that there are passages in the Bible that are easy to comprehend. Other passages stump even the theologians.

It’s not hard at all to understand the Ten Commandments. They are straightforward. It’s not hard to understand passages about marriage and family, such as Ephesians 5-6. It’s not difficult to figure out how we should love other Christians, how we should treat our enemies, etc. The Bible is full of easy, practical instruction for any life situation.

Salvation itself is simple: Jesus paid the price for my sin when He died on the cross. He gives me eternal life because I cried out to Him to save me from my sins. Jesus offered salvation to me, and I received it in faith. The Bible teaches me I can know I am saved. The Bible says Jesus gives eternal life.

So, why do we complicate things?

Why don’t we read the Bible, understand what’s plain to us, and then obey it? The author Mark Twain famously said, “It’s not what I Don’t understand about the Bible that bothers me; it’s what I Do understand.”

Which Scriptures are easily understood?

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-17):

1. Have no gods before God.

2. Don’t make idols.

3. Don’t take God’s name in vain.

4. Keep the Sabbath holy.

5. Honor your father and mother.

6. Do not kill.

7. Do not commit adultery.

8. Do not steal.

9. Do not lie about anyone.

10. Do not covet anything that is not yours.


God’s plan for marriage and family:

• Husbands—Love and honor your wife. (Ephesians 5:25-; Colossians 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7)
• Wives—Respect, love, and yield to your husband. (Ephesians 5:22-24; Colossians 3:18; Titus 2:4; 1 Peter 3:1)
• Children—Honor and obey your parents. (Ephesians 6:1-3)

The role of women in the church:

• Hospitality. 1 Timothy 3:2 (She helps her husband in this.)
• Mentoring younger women. Titus 2:3-5
• Keeping quiet in general meetings and not teaching men. 1 Corinthians 14:34; 1 Timothy 2:11-12

Christians are to:

• Love other Christians. (John 13:34; 15:12, 17; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 4:7)
• Help other Christians bear their burdens. (Galatians 6:2)
• Make every effort to get along with others. (Romans 12:18)
• Do good to their enemies and leave vengeance to the Lord. (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27, 35; Romans 12:19-21)
• Treat others as they would like to be treated. (Luke 6:31)
• Let the Bible infuse your life. (John 17:17)
• Pray always. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
• Encourage others by word and song. (Colossians 3:16)
• Act like Christ followers. (2 Corinthians 2:15; Ephesians 5:1)
• Glorify God in everything. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 10:31)  . . . And much more.

If you read back over my simple lists, I imagine you find at least one area you can work on. I know I do!

So, why do we complicate our lives by trying to find deep, obscure truths (which is okay), when all the time, there are plenty of concepts we easily understand? Isn’t it great that God didn’t make things hard?

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove what is that good,

and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:1-2).

God bless you!

Let me know what you think.