Simple

Simple:

Matthew 5:37, the principle of simplicity advocates for clear and straightforward communication and decision-making. By keeping plans and strategies uncomplicated, leaders reduce the risk of confusion, enabling efficient execution. In the book "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, a similar principle of simplicity is emphasized in the context of leadership and ownership. The authors stress the importance of taking full responsibility for one's actions and outcomes, a concept that mirrors the idea of loving God with all one's heart, soul, and mind. Just as love forms the foundation for Christians, ownership forms the cornerstone of effective leadership. This principle is simple in its essence yet profound in its implications, urging individuals to take control of their circumstances and strive for excellence.

Plans and communication should be clear and straightforward.

It would be simple to just throw a lot of Bible verse into this topic to attempt to confirm it and that would be one way to do it, but why do this when we have one great example of simplicity in communications:

“The Greatest Commandment”

Matthew 22:

 34Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ^c 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ^d 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

The Greatest Commandment found in Deuteronomy is echoed in Matthew where it was reiterated by Yeshua (aka Jesus) and that is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. This commandment encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith, emphasizing the primacy of love in one's relationship with God and others. Despite its profound gravity and significance, the simplicity of this commandment lies in its clarity and universality. It cuts through theological complexities and cultural barriers, emphasizing a fundamental principle that is accessible to all.

The gravity of the Greatest Commandment’s message lies in its transformative power. By loving God wholeheartedly and treating others with the same love and respect we have for ourselves, we can foster reconciliation, justice, and compassion in the world.

As a Torah observant Christian, we can keep our walk with Yeshua simple by focusing on the core teachings of love, humility, and obedience found in both the Torah and the teachings of Jesus. By prioritizing a deep personal relationship with God through prayer, study of Scripture, and meditation upon such, we can align our actions and decisions with the principles of righteousness and compassion. Embracing simplicity means prioritizing the weightier matters of the law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness, while avoiding unnecessary legalistic burdens. We can follow Yeshua's example of humility and service, seeking to love God with all our heart and our neighbor as themselves, thus embodying the essence of Torah in our daily lives.

Complexity can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, and mistakes.

On the contrary, the consequences of non-simplicity in one's walk with Yeshua, particularly for a Torah Christian, can lead to various challenges. Rather than a harsh critique of rituals, rules, and regulations, complexity can sometimes obscure the essential values of faith and morality. For instance, an excessive focus on intricate rituals or detailed interpretations of the Torah may inadvertently overshadow the central message of love and compassion. This can result in a form of spirituality that feels rigid or distant, lacking the warmth and depth of a personal relationship with God.  When individuals hold divergent views on interpretations or practices, it can sometimes lead to healthy debate but may also foster division within the community of believers.  The weight of complexity can burden individuals, causing feelings of inadequacy or the feeling of being overwhelmed in one’s journey of faith. Rather than experiencing the liberating joy of a simple, authentic relationship with Yeshua, this can result in a feeling of constrained walk by a perceived obligation to adhere strictly to certain rules or traditions. Therefore, while rituals, rules, and regulations can be meaningful expressions of faith, it's important to ensure they enhance rather than detract from one's connection with God and in fellowship.

Simplicity emerges as a guiding principle both in the teachings of Jesus and in the context of effective leadership, as highlighted in "Extreme Ownership." The Greatest Commandment embodies this principle, emphasizing the simplicity of love as the foundation of faith and moral conduct. By prioritizing love for God and others, individuals can navigate the complexities of life with clarity and purpose, fostering reconciliation, justice, and compassion. However, losing focus from simplicity can lead to confusion, division, and a sense of burden, particularly in matters of faith. There is nothing inherently wrong with deep diving in the scriptures and context of the Bible, but we should always return to our first love, which is the simplicity of Yeshua’s love for us and what he commanded us to do. Therefore, embracing simplicity in our walk with Yeshua enables us to focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God and our commitment to love and serve others. By keeping our faith simple yet profound, we can experience the transformative power of love in our lives and in the world around us.

1.       How does the principle of simplicity relate to effective communication and decision-making, as discussed in Matthew 5:37?

2.       How does the greatest commandment in Matthew, focusing on loving God and loving others, encapsulate the essence of the Christian faith?

3.       How do Torah Christians prioritize simplicity in their walk with Yeshua, balancing adherence to traditions with the core teachings of love and humility?

4.       Can you elaborate on the simplicity of the greatest commandment and its ability to cut through theological complexities and cultural barriers?

5.       What are the potential consequences of straying from simplicity in one's spiritual journey, particularly for Torah Christians?

6.       How can the principle of simplicity in faith help individuals navigate complexities and challenges while maintaining clarity and purpose?

7. In what ways does the simplicity of love for God and neighbor foster reconciliation, justice, and compassion in the world?

8. What steps can individuals take to ensure that rituals, rules, and regulations in their faith practices enhance rather than detract from their connection with God and others, in line with the principle of simplicity?