Kingdom Principle: The Kingdom provides simple solutions to complex problems.

Numbers 21:4-9 Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 Ephesians 2:1-10 John 3:14-21

K.I.S.S. is an acronym for “Keep it simple, stupid” as a design principle noted by the U.S. Navy in 1960. The KISS principle states that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complicated; therefore simplicity should be a key goal in design and unnecessary complexity should be avoided. The simple answers from the Scriptures this week are: Be Loved, accept Grace, live by Faith. Each is to be received, each is to be expressed. It is in this way that as we seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness that all things will be added unto us. (Matt 6:33)

Here are other simple answers for:

• Parenting: Lead, Model, Listen
• Marriage: Be(come) best friends
• Leadership: Learn to lead yourself, before you tell others where to go.
• Success: small steps lead to big victories
• Life: learn 2LAF more of the time…

There are simple solutions to complex problems, but many people are so caught up in the complexities of life, that simply telling them to breathe becomes a challenge. Please understand I am not attempting to minimize the problems, but we must realize that complex problems are most often not solved by complex solutions. Einstein’s quote “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them” helps us to see that if we find ourselves in a complex problem… we need a simple solution.

It is no wonder that the world has seen the most simple solution, at every major sporting event; behind the backstop and at the top of the grandstand, and at all major news worthy gatherings – a large poster board declaring: JOHN 3:16. This most simple truth is the answer to a most complex problem. How do you solve the sin of the world? The answer of John 3:16 was giving under the cover of night, to a man with very a complex problem – How can I be born again…..? And this problem was only the surface to many layers of crises and his world crumbling down. The world has heard the answer – WHO SO EVER BELIEVES….  And from there we have added all the complexities of theology, psychology and anthropology and much more. Within the verses today – you can see the complexities of judgment and grace, which are always held together by love.

What problems are you facing today?  Dr. John Gottman – one of my favorite “psychologists to read and follow” describes problems in relationships as either being solvable or perpetual.  (Read an interview with Dr. Gottman regarding problems link) Without getting too complex – you can solve your solvable problems; to which he gives the simple steps, but you need to find ways to live or work with your perpetual because by definition you can’t solve them. (Not because they are difficult, rather because their roots lie in “unsolvable” territory) Grid-lock in Los Angeles is perpetual… but you don’t have to get on the freeway…. Sometimes we simply need help finding a new way of thinking. How do you think and talk about Love, Grace & Faith? Is it complex or simple?

For the most part, people don’t want simple solutions to complex problems – they want complex solutions, because that justifies the problems they find themselves in.

An examples of our desire for complexity when dealing with our bodies:

You can detox and clean your skin by taking an extra minute in the shower to pulse hot water, then switch to cold, then back to hot, back and forth for about a minute. For our skin is a living organism and when you pulse the water from very hot to very cold it activates the cells to regenerate causes toxins to be cleansed. But most would rather spend money on product, or take extensive time through a series of cleanses – The most classic cleanse for our body is to drink more water – but that is way too simple to follow. Dealing with psychological lens of detox – when you are battling situational depression – you can take drugs or let your body produce drugs internally – (endorphins etc.) by going for a walk as a simple solution – but most will chose an “easy” complex solution to take a drug which they have no idea what’s in it – as long as it works.

Here’s a simple pass at:

Love – God loves me. I am called to love one another.

Grace – I am made perfect in the eyes of the God, because of the gift of Jesus.

Faith – Believe that God’s love and grace is all I need.

I’m not going to make it any more complex…

We all have perpetual problems; at our core we all share in the same nature of an in ability to become perfect in this world. Rather than focusing on the problem, lets focus on the simple solution. As in the Numbers passage – you can dwell on the snake bite or look to the brazen snake on a pole and be healed… It’s that simple – Jesus is Lord, and we are to love the Lord. In doing so all else will come into perspective. The challenge of accepting the simple solution – is that forces you to accept that the complex problem need not be the focus off your life.  As Jesus is the Lord over your life and problems; that now makes the problem no longer yours to solve or to fix. He is the King of your reputation, it is not yours to build or secure.

Cast all your cares upon Him!