99 CHOICES
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It sounded so simple. My daughter asked me to grab some oat milk at the store. There I stood, staring at the dairy case. Calling out to me were ninety-nine different types of milk. (Yes, I counted them). Just considering oat milk, there was full-fat, non-fat, and low-fat. Each type offered a sweetened and unsweetened assortment, not to mention organic and non-organic. Twelve different varieties—and that’s just oat milk! Those ninety-nine types of milk didn’t include creamers, or various brands. For a moment, I was tempted to ram my cart into the dairy case, as an act of defiance. By the time I finally made my choice, the cartons had nearly expired.
I’m thankful for options. What a blessing for those who are lactose intolerant, diabetic, and gluten-free, along with other dietary issues. But it can complicate shopping. When I was a kid (get ready for an old guy’s musings) we had one choice: Milk. Later fat free was added; then 2%, 1% … and here we are ninety-nine varieties later.
Milk merely represents one tiny slice of our complicated lives. Don’t even consider entertainment choices. We’ve managed to create a complex, complicated, and confusing world.
Actually, following Jesus is less complicated than choosing milk. We’re dead; Jesus offers life; say yes to Jesus. That’s it. Any questions? Maybe that’s why Jesus said to “accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child.” (Luke 18:17, MSG). But don’t we love to complicate “the simplicity that is in Christ?” (2 Corinthians 11:3, NKJV). Simplicity is one of God’s attributes.
First Timothy 6:6 speaks of "the rich simplicity of being yourself before God” (MSG). Doesn't that sound refreshing? The next time you find your mind complicated by an array of options, step back, take a deep breath and immerse yourself in the simplicity of Christ.
Ponder:
What part of your life feels complicated?
How does seeking the simplicity of Christ help calm your mind?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Luke 18:15-17.
Lord, thank you for the simplicity of the gospel. Please remind me of that when I allow my circumstances to complicate my life.