Keep It Simple

“Keep it simple, stupid.” KISS is the kind of basic advice that any teacher or consultant gives to people preparing to communicate with others. Its fundamental leadership advice. When things are complex, they are harder to understand and put into action.

It feels like today there is a swirl of confusion around the UK. Our nation is grappling with an unprecedented COVID pandemic, there is no economic roadmap to guide us unscathed out of the recession that is upon us. And in the midst of many questions, nobody quite seems to know what to do.

Simplicity is very attractive in a situation of confusion. The public are crying out for it this week, from pub goers in Newcastle to university students in Liverpool. People want to do the right thing but keep hearing a different thing from different people.

One of the greatest draws for me to Christianity is how simple it is. Jesus says, “come follow me” and lays out his life and character as an example to follow. The political and religious powers of Jesus’ day were mad because it was so simple and so attractive that he quicky formed a movement. It was the people in positions of power who jealously misunderstood Jesus and plotted to kill him, while sincere folk and children flocked to him.

There are a lot of opinions flying around at present. We would be wise to find firm foundations for how we live and what we fill our minds with. To filter-out the confusion.

I draw advice for everyday living from the Bible, and simple wisdom from prayer.

“The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.” (Psalm 19)

Confusion is exhausting. Be careful what you are listening to. If I only listened to the news all day, I’d be left hopeless and confused. Perhaps now is the best time to seek the kind of higher wisdom that has stood the test of time.

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33)