There is something refreshing about a simple person – and by "simple" I don’t mean stupid; I mean uncomplicated. It’s especially refreshing to see people with a simple yet strong faith. A man of simple faith is not ignorant. His faith is based upon solid, credible evidence. And, he doesn’t argue with God. When the evidence is laid out before him, upon reading it thoroughly, he simply believes it and does it without doubting. A true believer in Jesus ought to be this way. If they have questions, those questions can be and are answered by scriptures. That’s a simple faith!

And please don’t think that in praising a simple faith that I’m praising a lack of formal education. Being uneducated formally is not wrong. The majority of the apostles were said to be uneducated and untrained as far as the Jewish leaders were concerned. [Acts 4:13]. They hadn’t attended any religious schools, nor had they sat at the feet of the popular Jewish rabbis of their day. Yet, they were mighty in the scriptures and well acquainted with the greatest Rabbi who had ever lived.

So, what’s my point? My point is very simple. Given the right opportunity, with the proper attitude of mind, and the willingness to learn the truth, the simple can know for certain what God would have them to do. And, in doing so they can be tremendous parents, spouses, children, etc., and they can be mature Christians ready to help lead others to the Lord.

If we want to be the proper examples to our children, and better spouses, then it’s important to challenge ourselves and to stretch ourselves spiritually. Far too often we find ourselves in a spiritual rut because the rut just happens to be our comfort zone. We need to get ourselves out of this spiritual rut; increase our efforts to grow spiritually; and in the process be a more servant in the Lord’s kingdom. Of course to do that we’ll have to stop saying we don’t have time! We can’t afford to push our spiritual growth out of the picture under the disguise of too many outside interferences. Instead we need to make time to spend with the Lord; make time to spend with our spouse; make time to spend with our children instructing them about the Lord; make the time to be with the Lord in worship, in personal prayer, and in the reading of His word. So what’s the problem? Make the time!

Churches of today are growing weaker, and losing their drive to teach and preach the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. They would rather attempt to blend in with the mass population so that they don’t stand out as "odd balls." So, instead of learning, knowing and teaching the truth, they attach themselves to someone else’s beliefs and attempt to follow them into heaven. Yet, vision for future growth personally and congregationally requires that we push ourselves to do more than we think were capable of doing! Vision for the future also means we push ourselves towards a greater spiritual education. Why? Simply because it’s the right thing to do and the dividends and the rewards will benefit us personally, and our family! So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get started!