We have a son who lives in Pittsburgh. Without fail, every time we go to see him there is traffic. We were there last week and we walked 5-7 minutes from his home to a burger joint, which was nice. He said they were working on a bridge they would normally use if they were to drive to that area and it was much quicker to walk. He also has to buy a permit from the city to be able to park on his street. And a permit doesn’t guarantee you a spot on your street. Every time we go to Pittsburgh I say, “I can’t believe people choose to live here.” And without fail, Diane tells me she could live there and love it.
I love the simple life here in West Virginia. We live 2 blocks from the post office, 3 blocks from the bank, and 1 mile from Wal Mart. We live 1 1/2 miles from McDonald’s. We live 1/2 mile from the Dollar General. For a little while I had 4 cars parked at my house, which would have been impossible in Pittsburgh! (I am happy to report we are back to 2 cars.) We live 2 blocks from the river and don’t go sit by it nearly enough. Our church has a garden across the street. I often wait until I see there isn’t anyone getting gas across the street to go fill up my car so I don’t have to wait in a line. I love my simple life. Some people who prefer the complexities of city life would go nuts here.
In a way, the Good News of Jesus is like my simple life. It’s too simple for some people. The Son of God died for my sins and all I have to do is say ‘yes’ to Jesus and I am made righteous? There has to be more to it. But the beauty of it is, that’s it. It’s really that simple. For people who cannot accept the simplicity of it, the Gospel is foolishness. I pray that whether you prefer the fast pace (and at times aggravation) of big city life or the slower pace (and at times boredom) of small town life, that you would accept the simplicity of the Gospel.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~ John 3:16 (KJV)
Scott Knowlton's Blog 