What does Simple Mean?

I got the term Simple-Acres while trying to figure out what to write on canning jar lids for yogurt customers. I have since developed the idea and drew the concept from scripture.

Simple in the OT has a negative connotation, sort of a naivety and non-education. We think of it like Simple Simon. But three references in the New Testament explain a simplicity we should hope, as Christians, describes our lives.

Romans 16:19
 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

Does that mean go around with our eyes shut and our ears stopped, saying "lalalalalala"? 
Of course not.

It means it's okay to not know what everyone's laughing about.
It's okay not to understand very well the god of Sports.
It means we needn't experience everything in the World to be able to witness to them.

The sense of this word is "unmixed", "innocent".


2 Corinthians 1:12
 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

The word simplicity here means literally, sincerity, without dissimulation or self-seeking.
Interestingly, it is the same word as "singleness (of heart)".

No frills. 

No show.

No makeup.

Just the grace of God emanating to the lost and dying, through the channel of Simple Christians.

Thirdly, 2 Corinthians 12:3
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

I am privileged to attend a church where I am taught the Bible line upon line, nothing held back, digging into the depths, searching out the dark sayings, and reminding ourselves of the light sayings. We can't dig so deep that we lose ourselves in a well of mystery and never get the fresh air of the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must also beware the cultish trends that Satan sends to unsuspecting congregations, luring away those who thirst after new and strange things, forgetting that God gave us a simple garden of Eden in the Holy Scriptures.

So, SIMPLE does not mean we flee from technology or deep doctrine. It does not mean we live like pioneers. It means we keep our focus in the right place.

 If all our gadgets and conveniences quit working tomorrow, would we smile, bless the Lord, and continue to live happy, contented successful lives?

~Elliott