Busyness Plans: Stay Simple

But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV)

The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The Testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

Psalm 19:7 (NKJV)

The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.

Psalm 116:6 (NKJV)

Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of Heaven.'

Matthew 18:2-3 (NKJV)

The word, simple, has two basic meanings:

  1. 'Easy to understand, humble, unaffected, unassuming, not complicated and not luxurious;'

  2. 'Ignorant, foolish or feeble-minded' (online dictionaries).

Regarding the lives and acts of Christians, I speak to the former: SIMPLE IS GOOD!

'Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one' (Matthew 5:37).

But… entertainment likes to mix things up. Confusion and complexity team up, as writers make scripts more ‘interesting.’

  • Relationships are drifting.

  • Loyalties are forsaken.

  • Agreements are forgotten…

  • On camera, and in life!

  • Complication is the theme!

Can actors, models, and talent for Christ go into this mission field of shifting sand? Jesus tells us how: 'Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves' (Matthew 10:16). Meaning?

  1. Christ is your Shepherd. Follow Him closely: 'My sheep hear My Voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My Hand' (John 10:27-28). Whew! You're protected. Jesus will guide you.

  2. Learn the customs of the field you enter: 'Lest Satan should take advantage of [you]; for [you] are not ignorant of his devices' (2 Corinthians 2:11). In the grace of God, you’ll survive and thrive, just like Daniel and friends… in Babylon.

  3. Love is your simple, no-fail calling card: 'By this, all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another' (John 13:35); 'Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you' (Matthew 5:44). 

Your surprising act will intrigue millions. Therein, keep your busyness plan simple:

‘ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great Commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.'

(Matthew 22:37-40)

Busyness: Stay Simple (Part 13)

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban