By Robert
2 Corinthians 1:12 (paraphrased)-”Our source of rejoicing is the testimony of our conscience, that we have conducted ourselves in simplicity and sincerity, not by our own efforts but by God’s grace.” The word simplicity in the Greek has a double meaning: first-no dissimulation, disguising one’s intentions under a feigned appearance or to conceal one’s true feelings; and second-a generosity, an openness of heart manifesting itself by generosity.
When I think of simplicity, I think of a person who is friendly to everyone; one who has no bone to pick with anyone. I see a person that has found simplicity as someone who has lost his reserve or guardedness-but in a good way. He longer feels the need to guard and protect his heart to keep it from being hurt again. This person shows a sincere interest in others with no need to dominate conversations, no need to neither prove points nor be dogmatic. He lives from the heart. He trusts God to meet his needs of love, affirmation, purpose and security, so he is not compelled to seek these in other ways and through people.
I believe the hour is coming when the body of Christ at large will walk in this kind of simplicity because they truly know how loved they are. The world will no longer hold any attraction to us, but rather we will attract them. They will know we are Christians by our love (John 13:35).
You and Cyndi and the work you do are an inspiration. You keep your messages simple and to the point, the way the Lord intended. God bless you and your ministry.
I agree with the previous comment wholeheartedly from w kram. Robert and Cyndi, your messages are sincere and come from the heart. Each of you have Him speaking through you in Stepping Stones. The messages are comforting and convicting at the same time. They are not highminded nor condemning. They are hallmarks of the fruit of His lips speaking from within you both. My wife and I so appreciate both of you.
I think this is an interesting revelation on the term ‘simplicity.’ I’ve always related the idea of simplicity to the idea of not being caught up in the affairs of this life as mentioned in 2 Timothy 2. We tend to complicate our lives to the point that we lose focus on the great commission emphasis for our existence.