A simple response...

On my previous post (here) regarding Einstein and simplicity and the value of simple communication, I received two interesting comments. The first said:

I agree - it has to be simple for most people to get it. I think you can make things simple and still be able to challenge them in such a way that they will stretch and grow - baby steps.

The second comment said:

Too often I believe we treat people as if their spiritual babies too long. A person at one point or another needs to come to a realization that he/she must stand up and grasp the truths of God's Word. There is much at stake here, if one truly believes that we can know God and what he is like through his revealed Word! We cannot spoon feed people forever, and I think we do this all to often. Annette-I do agree with baby steps, but we cannot stay babies forever. One final thought-what do we do with those people who don't need to spoon feed anymore? Send them to another church so they can be feed by the in-depth teaching/preaching of God's Word?

Please don't misunderstand what I am saying. I am not saying that we must spoon feed people. Neither am I saying that we "water down" the truth of Scripture. Simply, I am advocating a simplicity of style that allows people - at all levels in their spiritual journey - to UNDERSTAND the truth.

In fact, simplicity does not keep people from wrestling with truth. On the contrary, in increases the likelihood that they will. When you understand the truth (and isn't that the purpose of preaching/teaching - to help people understand the truth... to reveal it to them?) you are moved to make a decision about the truth. Sometimes - even often - that decision will require you to give something up or stop doing something that you've been doing. You are faced with a choice... a crisis of faith, if you will.

That choice to follow truth or to not follow truth - obedience or disobedience - is precipitated by understanding. Understanding comes when truth is communicated in the "language of the people."

I could tell you that if you are struggling with circadian rhythm disorder there are certain things you must do. Would you know what I'm talking about? Would you know if that "truth" was for you to apply? What if I told you that you had jet lag? Would you understand me the?

Both phrases mean the same thing, however one communication style will be more readily understood and so more easy to act (or not act) upon.

Simple does not equal simplistic. It means not complicated - although acting on "simple truth" may be extremely complicated - it may involve letting go of an action or lifestyle that has become a big part of our life.

I now fear that in writing on simplicity, I may have said too much and am in danger of becoming unclear. So now, I will simply stop typing.