Embracing the Simple Life Through Grace and Humility - Brother John Periera

Introduction to Jesus’ Teachings

Every word spoken by Jesus carried authority, meaning, and truth. His teachings emphasized humility, as illustrated when He pointed to a child and said, "Whoever humbles like this child" reflects the spirit of heaven (Matthew 18:4). A child embodies the humility and simplicity that Jesus sought to instill. This message draws from Matthew 11:30, where Jesus declared, "For my yoke is easy and my load is light," suggesting a life of comfort and pleasantness. This teaching underscores Jesus’ mission to restore what Adam and Eve lost through disobedience—a simple, humble, and submitted life with God.

The Consequences of Adam and Eve’s Disobedience

Adam and Eve’s decision to eat the forbidden fruit led to the loss of the simple, God-given life. Their act of disobedience introduced complexity, difficulty, and burdensomeness, as described by reversing Matthew 11:30. Life apart from God becomes complicated, confused, and heavy. Reflecting on personal experience, I lived 25 years in unbelief, marked by a complex and burdensome existence, a state common to those yet to know Christ.

The Meaning of Being Born Again

Being born again signifies a fresh start, a chance to leave behind a complicated and messed-up past. Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest," promises a new life. This transformation, often described as starting life anew, is celebrated in testimonies of surrender, acceptance of Christ, and baptism. It marks a new beginning, a life aligned with God’s grace and simplicity.

Maintaining a Simple Life

A simple life requires consistent effort, akin to maintaining a beautiful garden. Without regular care, weeds and unwanted plants—representing selfishness, pride, and worldly influences—can overrun it. The Bible warns of Satan’s craftiness and the world’s complications, which naturally attract human tendencies. Without vigilance, life becomes complex. John 1:14 describes Jesus as "full of grace and truth," embodying the simplicity and authority that believers should emulate. A life filled with grace and truth remains uncomplicated, while its absence leads to complexity.

Grace and Truth Through Jesus

John the Apostle, having closely observed Jesus, testified to His glory, describing Him as "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). John the Baptist further affirmed Jesus’ superiority, noting, "He who is coming after me has proved to be my superior because he existed before me" (John 1:15). Believers receive "grace upon grace" from Jesus’ fullness (John 1:16). Unlike the law given through Moses, which could not restore God’s original plan, grace and truth realized through Jesus offer a life of rest and simplicity (John 1:17). Jesus, as the only Son, fully revealed God’s nature (John 1:18).

Jesus’ Life of Grace

Jesus’ life exemplified grace from childhood, as noted in Luke 2:40: "The child continued to grow and to become strong, increasing in wisdom and the favor of God was upon him." This grace enabled Him to overcome evil, hostility, and Satan’s schemes (Hebrews 12:15). Unlike Old Testament figures who succumbed under pressure, Jesus’ grace empowered Him to live in submission, even to imperfect parents (Luke 2:51-52). His growth in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and people reflected a life grounded in grace.

The Role of Grace in Salvation

Titus 2:11-13 explains that "the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner." Grace protects believers from sin, enabling a clear conscience before God and man. It purifies believers, making them eager for good deeds and redeeming them from lawlessness. Humility is the pathway to receiving this grace, as Jesus demonstrated through self-denial and submission to God (Philippians 2:5-8).

Indicators of a Grace-Filled Life

A lack of grace manifests in perceiving everything as difficult—whether at home or work—and magnifying others’ faults while ignoring personal shortcomings. Judging others instead of self-examination signals an absence of grace. Conversely, a grace-filled life avoids judgmental attitudes, as illustrated in Psalm 131:1-2: "O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty, nor do I involve myself in great matters or in things too difficult for me. Surely I have composed and quieted my soul like a weaned child rests against its mother." This humility ensures safety and simplicity, aligning with God’s original plan for humanity.

Three Slaveries Complicating Life

Three forms of slavery complicate life: slavery to sin, love of the world, and religiosity. Romans 6:14 assures, "For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace." Satan traps believers through pride, allowing sin to dominate. Additionally, 1 John 2:15-16 warns against loving the world, which includes the lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life. These worldly desires crowd out God, fostering busyness and complexity. Finally, Matthew 13 highlights the Pharisees’ religiosity, where external practices without internal devotion lead to a complicated life devoid of grace.

Jesus’ Call to Simplicity

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus urges believers not to be anxious about life’s basic needs, such as food, drink, or clothing. He contrasts the Gentiles’ complicated lives with the simplicity offered to God’s children. By seeking first God’s kingdom and righteousness, all needs are provided (Matthew 6:33). Jesus emphasizes a clear conscience, forgiveness, and carefulness with sin to maintain simplicity (Matthew 6:22-24). The Living Bible’s rendering of Matthew 6:34, "Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time," encapsulates this call to a restful, uncomplicated life.

Living as Witnesses

Believers are called to be witnesses of a simple, grace-filled life, demonstrating to others—especially children—that life need not be complicated. The lives of biblical figures like Peter, John, and Jesus, as well as contemporary godly examples, show God’s provision and simplicity. Psalm 147:11 states, "The Lord favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His loving kindness," highlighting God’s delight in humble trust. A life filled with grace and truth speaks louder than words, countering worldly anxieties and the rat race.

Avoiding a Burdensome Christian Life

Acts 15:10 warns against imposing heavy religious yokes, which can make Christian life burdensome and deter others, including children, from embracing faith. Instead, 1 John 5:3 affirms, "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome." Grace enables believers to live lightly, reflecting a life of ease and devotion.

Contentment Through Grace

Philippians 4:11-13 illustrates contentment through grace, as Paul wrote from jail, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." He learned to live with little or in prosperity, relying on Christ’s strength through grace. Hebrews 13:9 encourages strengthening the heart by grace, ensuring resilience in trials. Even in persecution, God provides grace to face challenges without fear, as personal reflection acknowledges: I fear tribulation, but God will grant grace to face it courageously.

Humility as the Foundation

1 Peter 5:5-10 emphasizes humility as the foundation for receiving grace: "Clothe yourself with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Humbling oneself under God’s hand leads to exaltation and freedom from anxiety. Resisting Satan’s schemes through faith and grace ensures a simple life, as God perfects, confirms, strengthens, and establishes believers. Standing firm in grace makes believers a threat to the devil, fulfilling God’s call to simplicity.

Conclusion

God desires a life of rest and simplicity for His children, free from the complications of sin, worldliness, and religiosity. By embracing humility and grace, believers can live unburdened, content, and as witnesses to a world trapped in complexity. May the Lord help us walk this path, filled with grace and truth, reflecting the simple life Jesus modeled.

Bible References

• Matthew 18:4: Jesus emphasizes childlike humility as a reflection of heaven’s spirit.
• Matthew 11:28-30: Jesus invites the weary to find rest, promising an easy yoke and light burden.
• John 1:14-18: Jesus, full of grace and truth, reveals God’s nature and offers grace upon grace.
• Luke 2:40, 51-52: Jesus’ growth in grace and submission exemplifies a simple life.
• Titus 2:11-13: Grace brings salvation, instructing believers to live godly lives.
• Philippians 2:5-8: Jesus’ humility and self-denial model the path to grace.
• Psalm 131:1-2: Humility and a quieted soul ensure simplicity and safety.
• Romans 6:14: Grace frees believers from sin’s mastery.
• 1 John 2:15-16: Warnings against loving the world’s lusts and pride.
• Matthew 6:25-34: Jesus calls for a simple life, free from anxiety, by seeking God’s kingdom.
• Psalm 147:11: God favors those who fear Him and wait for His grace.
• Acts 15:10: Warns against imposing heavy religious yokes.
• 1 John 5:3: God’s commandments are not burdensome under grace.
• Philippians 4:11-13: Paul’s contentment in all circumstances reflects grace’s strength.
• Hebrews 13:9: The heart is strengthened by grace.
• 1 Peter 5:5-10: Humility secures grace, enabling resistance to Satan and divine strengthening.