Years ago, I assisted in planning a women's ministry event. At the beginning of the meeting, we made a collective decision to keep the event simple and avoid unnecessary complications. We all agreed that God didn't require fancy dishes and linens to touch the hearts of these women.
However, just an hour later, our pages were filled with agendas, notes, tasks, supply lists, and speaking notes. I distinctly remember feeling bewildered as I sat there, witnessing us doing exactly what we had pledged not to do. I believe God used that situation to open my eyes and make me more aware of when I veer off course. Over the years, I have observed instances where I or others tend to overcomplicate matters. It is perplexing why we do this; we seem to think that people need more than they actually do. Even churches at times fall into this trap, employing smoke machines, flashy lights, and even movie clips during sermons. I wonder if we believe that God requires our assistance to be captivating or entertaining. As if His voice isn't like thunder (Job 40:9) and His didn't lay a measuring line across the earth's foundation (Job 38:4). We often find ourselves caught up in the prevailing culture and what's considered trendy, rather than allowing God to move through the simplicity of our worship.
Yet, when we turn to the Bible, we see that it wasn't the loud, busy, or overcomplicated things that captured Jesus' attention. Instead, it was the quiet, hidden, and simple acts of worship that compelled Him to pause and acknowledge someone's faithfulness.
He commended Mary for doing a "good thing" by sitting at His feet and attentively listening to Him, while Martha was bustling around the kitchen (Luke 10:38-42).
He declared to the woman with the issue of blood that her faith had made her well because of her simple yet courageous act of touching His robe (Mark 5:25-34).
He acknowledged Zacchaeus as faithful and visited his home because Zacchaeus had climbed a tree to see Jesus (Luke 19:1-10).
In these stories, we notice that each of these individuals chose to depart from the crowd and seek Jesus. They didn't conform or do what everyone else was doing; instead, they found a different path, even if it wasn't popular or trending.
It appears that all of us are striving to remain relevant, connected on social media, and in sync with the latest trends. But what if Jesus isn't found in any of those things? What if the only way to encounter Him is by breaking through the noise, gaining a higher perspective, or quietly sitting at His feet? Today, I challenge all of us to seek the Lord through simple worship and wholeheartedly reveal our hearts to Him.
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