A Simpler Way

This week, when I was thinking about writing my column for the West Plains Daily Quill, I was at a bit of loss for words, so I did what I sometimes do in that situation, rely on inspiration from the classic devotional book "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. The scripture reference is, "Look at the birds of the air. . . . Consider the lilies of the field . . ." (from Matthew 6:26, 28), and I share it today.

He writes: "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin -- they simply are. Think of the sea, the air, the sun, the stars, and the moon -- all of these simply are as well -- yet what a ministry and service they render on our behalf. So often we impair God's designed influence, which He desires to exhibit through us, because of our own conscious efforts to be consistent and useful. Jesus said there is only one way to develop and grow spiritually, and that is through focusing and concentrating on God. In essence, Jesus was saying, 'Do not worry about being of use to others; simply believe on Me.' In other words, pay attention to the Source, and out of you 'will flow rivers of living water' (John 7:38).

"We cannot discover the source of our natural life through common sense and reasoning, and Jesus is teaching here that growth in the our spiritual life comes not from focusing directly on it, but from concentrating on our Father in heaven. Our heavenly Father knows our circumstances, and if we will stay focused on Him, instead of our circumstances, we will grow spiritually -- just as 'the lilies of the field.'

"The people who influence us the most are not those who detain us with their continual talk, but those who live their lives like the stars in the sky and 'the lilies of the field' -- simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mold and shape us."

It often takes an effort of our will and way of thinking to concentrate on the beauty around us and the joy of simplicity. But when we do, we free ourselves to grow spiritually, and our witness to others is likely to be far greater than many sermons combined. When we focus on activities and the world racing by around us, it is easy to become agitated and distracted from God's best for us. Instead, we discover his character and nature in the quiet times, when we allow ourselves simply to rest and breathe in the depth of God's love.