Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Wednesday January 28, 2009

As I survey the church scene I think I see a refreshing trend. Many local groups are returning to the simple approach. In short order it is probable that the idea of each church service of necessity rival a major Broadway production, though few ever really do, will find a final resting place.

A few years ago I visited a church because I was invited and as the awaited production was going to start late, a Broadway no, no, a woman remarked, "This place is gaudier than a French house of ill fame." She didn't say "house of ill fame" but I thought you might like my phrase better. I assume the girl knew whereof she spoke. I could only imagine, but I tended to agree with her. The Great Blonde had her elbow stuck solidly into my rib cage and I took this as a subtle hint to keep my mouth shut.

One of the most striking things about the public ministry years of Jesus is the utter simplicity with which He worked. Could it be that our Father’s idea of beauty is light years removed from ours?

That gaudiness is the mark of the age cannot be refuted, for all we have to do is walk through any mall and "Gaud" leaps at you from every store. I received a note from a worldwide mission group and it appeared to be printed with some kind of Neon Ink. I have lived long enough to observe "Hot Pink" become a tame color.

Joyce, known to my literary world as "The Great Blonde" said, "Larry, we are watching the ultimate caricature of Christ and his world on this TV show, masquerading as a ministry. Somehow, I fail to see the true Christian life as one long shallow Masquerade Ball." Seeing Joyce's body language as she speaks is a show in itself.

Weddings of bygone years offer a clue as to true beauty. Brides wore a white gown, or dress. Nowadays I conduct weddings that look more like a chorus line at Radio City Music Hall, than a portrait of Christ and His pure white church. I admit to being old, and to the truth that the gaudiest thing about me is the place where I used to have hair.

I know, I know, Larry is just a country bumpkin who learned to speak with a certain eloquence, but a bumpkin nonetheless.

I do know that the most gifted teachers throughout history taught the main truth about daily living, about raising a family, about inner peace is found in learning to "simplify."

Simplifying our lifestyle is but one method, but one not to be overlooked, of getting our life under control.

Another country bumpkin, Leonardo da Vinci stated it thus:

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2009 Use with credit.

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