January 1st

Back to the Basics

2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Simplicity

Paul the Apostle, in his letter to the Corinthian Church, says that he fears that their minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ, and that such a thing could happen in the same way that Eve was deceived by the serpent.

The word “simplicity” comes from a Greek word that means singleness, simplicity, and sincerity, and the freedom from pretense. So, simplicity means singleness of focus and genuineness.

What’s Really Important?

In the Christian life, we sometimes get scattered in our focus, putting too much emphasis on things that are not that important, and neglecting the truly important things. We have a tendency to drift away from the simplicity that is in Christ.

The Christian life is not complicated. It’s about relationship with God, first and foremost. It’s about growing in the things of God. It’s about having an ongoing relationship with Him. It was never meant to become confusing and burdensome.

Prayer and Meditation

Two of the most important aspects of maintaining a relationship with God is through time alone with the LORD in prayer, and time spent in meditation of His word. Prayer gives us a chance to connect with Him in a real and tangible way, and to be led by Him. Meditation in the word feeds our born-again spirit man, and causes us to grow in the knowledge of God.

Meditation in the word of God is one of the most enjoyable and satisfying and uplifting things a Christian can do. Yet it’s one of the things that can become neglected quicker, it seems, than almost anything else.

Let’s resolve to get back to the basics today. Get back to prayer. Get back to meditation in the word of God. Get back to the simple things and watch the joy of your salvation rise up in strength. Let those things be the focus of this new beginning of the New Year.