You Gotta KISS! (Keep It Simple, Stupid)

It is so easy to complicate things…specially if you are a girl.

I know I always do. And because I do, my expectation of things – even that which I expect of myself – are often very demanding and far-fetched.

This can translate to many little things. To illustrate, I present to you:

Nath’s List of Well-Intentioned Far-Fetchedness

• I will exercise. Every. Single. Day.
• I will not drink sodas. Ever.
• I will write a loong blog post every week. *puts on cone of shame*
• I will pray for all of my friends, family, coworkers every day and never forget one.
• I will always make time for my friends and family, and be constantly checking up on them during the week.
• I will ensure I have a big chunk of time for myself every day.

Oh, did I mention I have a full time job, study full time (yes, it is actually possible) and serve in two ministries?

The things I placed on my list are good and necessary things. Exercising is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Writing a blog post every week is a great way to use my gifts and bless others in the online community. Praying for my loved ones is an important part of the Christian walk. Making time for my friends and family, as well as for myself is needed in order to have a balance in my life. I don’t need anyone to convince me that I should be doing all these things. Nevertheless, often times I don’t do them.

This can happen with our walk as Christians as well.

Often times we have expectations and even set goals for ourselves – and our growth with the Lord – that can be a bit of a challenge considering our present circumstances. Then, when we realize it’s not that easy and have a hard time sticking with our plan, we just leave everything altogether. We start condemning ourselves and ultimately settle for at lot less, if anything at all. We give up or conform to a state that might be comfortable – too comfortable.

You might be genuinely busy. Or you might be genuinely lazy. Whichever the case, you have to be careful not to fall into a comfort zone that will hinder your growth in the Lord.

What’s the solution? K.I.S.S.

Keep It Simple, Stupid!

Come up with simple, daily goals that will be easier for you to follow. Set up reminders (whether a post-it note or a phone alarm) that will help you re-focus throughout the day. Then, after you make these a habit, aim for more in-depth and challenging goals.

It’s not about pursuing watered-down Christianity, but on the contrary! Start simple, but aim for growth. Let the Lord lead you and guide you into a relationship like no other. And, like any relationship has stages, enjoy every stage.

Don’t give up if you fail to follow through in some things. This is something we all go through! The important thing is to continue, to get up, to try again.

I often relate to Paul in Romans 7: “ I don’t really understand myself… I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway…I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.  I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.”

If you are intentional about following Christ daily, He will honor you and give you the strength to do even bigger and better things. Remember that in the end, He looks at the heart.

Get up, and try again. Don’t compare yourself with others.

Before you know it, you will wonder how you could ever live without seeking Him every day.

Like my friend Ashley and her husband say, keep it simple but significant. Go.