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Reflection On Service: Simplicity


Going through books at a garage sale is a dangerous activity for a book lover!  Especially one who has a pile to read beside my chair.  Yes, I said "pile."  Two small wicker baskets full, books on top and (sigh) books all round!

My husband picked one up; handing it to me knowingly.  "This might be one you should read," he said.  I grimaced.  

"Becoming a woman of Simplicity," by Cynthis Heald.

The verse on the front of the book nailed it. 

 "I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." 2 Corinthians 11:3

The Greek word for simplicity is haplotes, which means 'singleness, sincerity, without pretense.'  It gets better according to the Blue Letter Bible.  "The virtue of one who is free from pretense and hypocrisy and not self seeking, openness of heart manifesting itself by generosity."

Service should come from a single-minded love and devotion for God.   From a simple walk with God.  

Cynthia observed God's desire for us to have simplicity.  She notes,  "Noise and words and frenzied, hectic schedules dull our senses, closing our ears to his still, small voice and making us numb to his touch."

Service God desires is simple. 
Wholehearted devotion.
Simplicity brings to my mind, green pastures.  Prairie grasses dancing in the breeze while bees, insects and animals dance within.  

Being present.  Eyes open.  Ears hearing.  Still.  Connecting with my Creator, Savior and Friend.

Service is a way of thinking.  A way of being.

As David said in Psalm 23 (The Message)

1-3 God, my shepherd!
    I don’t need a thing.
 
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
    you find me quiet pools to drink from.
 
True to your word,
    you let me catch my breath
    and send me in the right direction.
 
4 Even when the way goes through
    Death Valley,
I’m not afraid
    when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
    makes me feel secure.

5 You serve me a six-course dinner
    right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
    my cup brims with blessing.

6 Your beauty and love chase after me
    every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
    for the rest of my life.

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