SIMPLY

adv: purely, solely, without ambiguity

“The Lord did not set His heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations!

Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you...”  Deuteronomy 7:7-8 NLT

To “live simply” is a nice-sounding idea, isn’t it? Maybe a decorative sign on the wall or a cute sticker on our laptop reminds us to try to do that. I guess I must admit that I don’t know how that works, really.

Does “live simply” mean that I need to maintain a sense of order in my home and work and relationships that is free of clutter, free of complications, and free of conflict? How about free of CRAZY?

I’m exaggerating a bit, but I have found that trying to live simply while living in reality is easier said than done.

This verse in Deuteronomy gives me a fresh perspective. It was written to reassure and encourage the people of Israel that the Lord chose them simply because he loved them.

Not because they were the largest in number.

I suppose that if they had been the largest group in the region, God’s love could have possibly made sense to the Israelites. Large numbers meant strength, security, reputation, and confidence­–especially during times of battle. They might have felt like they had something that would benefit this God who chose them. But this verse specifically points out that God’s chosen people were not only NOT the largest, they were the smallest of all nations!

God had set His heart upon them and chose them SIMPLY BECAUSE HE LOVED THEM. And He set His heart upon us and chose us just the same.

Sometimes I think there must be a catch. Surely it can’t be this easy.

My mind races. Why would you choose me, Jesus? I don’t measure up. I make a lot of mistakes, I’m not very strong, and I don’t have much to offer. It wouldn’t take long for you to find several people who could bring you more results, more victories, more honor and glory.

When I compare myself with others, my numbers don’t look good at all.

But Jesus tells me none of that matters. He brings me to Himself, he pours out His love and delights in me SIMPLY BECAUSE HE LOVES ME.

I love this additional definition of simply: for nothing other than.

He sets His heart on us for no other reason. For nothing other than to fill us with His incomprehensible, merciful, extravagant, and unmerited love.

For nothing other?

Not for our daily efforts to live for Him?

Not for our church attendance?

Not for the results of our service?

Not for our self-denial or sacrifice?

Not for the amount of time we spend with Him?

For nothing other than love.

It’s that simple.

INVITE HIM IN

When you feel like the smallest, the weakest, or the least important, Jesus says you are the one He wants. And in the clutter, the complications, and the conflicts of life, He wraps His arms of compassion around you and holds you close. Let your caring Father and faithful friend remind you today that you don’t have to worry about living perfectly simple. You get to live simply loved.