Christians, let's keep it simple.

We live in a society that over complicates even simple things. We have 30 day programs, 12 steps plans and 6-8 week classes for anything and everything. I am not discrediting any of these things; parts of life are complex and really require more time. This post is a reminder to Christians about the simplicity of our faith. We tend to over-complicate parts of Christianity that God meant to be simple.When I was in my early twenties I reached a point in my life when I came to the realization that I needed to make a change. I wouldn't commit in relationships, I was drinking more than I should have been and spending my time doing things that I really didn't need to be doing. The people that I was spending a lot of my time with were the wrong people. I knew that I needed a change, so I decided to do something about it.I remember one Friday night I decided to go to a group at my church instead of going out with my normal group of friends. I wasn't really sure why I was there, but I knew that I was searching for something. I didn't know where to go in my life; the only thing I knew from growing up was that Jesus could help.As soon as the group ended, I asked one of the leaders of this group if I could talk to them. As we talked, I was open with him about where I was in my life and how I was trying to change. Now in this moment, I knew from growing up that this group leader would probably have some wisdom and a 12 step program or 30 day plan for me. I was prepared to write down what I needed to do. To my surprise, his response was not what I expected.Once I had finished telling this group leader about where I was in life, he very simply said "Let me pray for you and we'll see what happens." I was shocked; no words of wisdom? No 12 steps? No 30 day plan? He didn't bring up any of that, or tell me the things that I needed to change. He actually prayed a quick simple prayer. After he finished praying he invited me out to dinner with some other people from the group.

Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. - James 5:16

This random group leader did three things; he listened, he prayed and he welcomed me. After that night I can remember continuing the prayer that this group leader prayed with me. The amazing part is that less than a week later I got connected with some solid Christian people that I really enjoyed doing life with. The turning point that lead up to this new life style I was starting to live came from that moment of prayer with this group leader.As believers, we need to learn to keep it simple in our faith. When people are seeking to live the life that God has called them to, let's help them do that by not over-complicating the process. The bible says that prayer is powerful and effective. We need to remember that greater than any wisdom that we could share from our own knowledge is the power within a faith filled prayer. Aside from that, just listening to people and welcoming them into our lives can be what God uses to make the difference.Let's keep it simple today!