Don’t make life complex

Someone makes a bad remark or rolls their eyes at you, you return with the animosity. The tongue takes over. You end up saying or doing something you regret, something you really didn’t mean.

Your boss makes a decision that you don’t agree with. Frustration lives rent free in your mind. You harbor resentment and end up making a bad career decision.

The coworker or friend takes the vacation and posts on social media for all to see. You book the over-extravagant trip on the credit card. High interest eats your lunch.

Man makes life complex.

But, Jesus simplifies.

View all things through a Christ-centered lens, and life becomes simple.

Division doesn’t exist, as comparisons go away. Through a Christ-centered lens, the mind is not worried about how others act, as Jesus is the standard.

Hatred, animosity don’t exist. Love drives actions, not personal gain. One is willing to lay down their life for another. 

Selfish ambition goes away. There is no love of money. Through a Christ-centered lens, the ultimate role of money is to provide, be generous, not to achieve material possessions.

One does not look for fulfillment in others or the things of this world. Through a Christ-centered lens, the words of Jesus bring completeness as He fills the gaps, the holes in our life.

Hope is perpetual as death holds no victory through a Christ-centered lens. Perpetual hope reigns, as you know the world is not the final chapter.

But, viewing life through a Christ-centered lens at all times is impossible.

Man naturally makes life complex.  Emotions drive thoughts and actions. Bad decisions are made. Old habits return. Life takes twists and turns that we don’t want.

The only answer.

Jesus has to illuminate your path as you walk through life.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Over and over, Jesus is described as the light in the Bible. He shines in our life to reveal blind spots. Everything from how to handle people to how to manage money, the Light reveals.

The Light reveals through His Words. If you are not regularly digesting His Word, you have no chance. Bold statement, but true.

Christ consistently reminds us that His Words are life.

The Spirit gives life, the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. John 6:63

Jesus doesn’t remove the pain. In fact, He promises that there will be pain on the journey. We live in a fallen world. But, He also promises joy if you lean into Him.

When that thought occurs today, when your temperature rises a bit, when emotions begin to dictate actions, remember that Jesus simplifies. You don’t have to make life complex.

Just lean on His Words for light.

And, when you fail, remember the greatest message in the Bible…….grace. Give grace to yourself and others.

Impact others. Live generously.