Decluttering - Simplifying

When we built our old house (interesting now that we are now one month out of the Aurora house, it is an old house), I really was intrigued by the concept of home automation.  So I engaged a company to not only wire our house, but implement whole house audio, video, cable, phone, security, and HVAC.  Further, they were all integrated so that we could literally place a phone call, punch a code and bring our lights down and set the temperature.  The alarm system was also integrated into the fire alarm so that if the alarm went off, it would fire off a phone call to the fire department (too many fires in that sentence).  No way to stop it if it is a false alarm.  Our phone system was an actual business system and our house had extensions. 

However, such a system had complexities.  We found we hardly used any of the features.  As far as the alarm went, we were almost scared to use it.  Can you spell DOG?  At the time the system was built, it was state of the art.  Twelve years later when we sold it, it was an albatross.  Phones that did not work were hard to replace.  We quickly reverted to wireless as the technology became very affordable. 

When we moved, it was a real relief to go back to simple.  The less stuff to worry about, the better.  The baggage of the whole automation system was not only cluttering, it was over-complicating our lives.  It is amazing that stuff that was meant to simplify actually complicates.  Now, I am a tech guy and I love technology.  I am a tech. entrepreneur after all.  But gadgets also can complicate our lives. 

It is amazing that the Lord of the universe walked this earth in the 1st century.  I wonder if Jesus walked the earth in our century, would He be carrying an iPhone or laptop.   I don't think Jesus is anti-technology.  The God who fashioned the complexity of the universe and the wonder of the human body certainly would appreciate the wonder of using technology.  The advances of the printing press meant mass distribution Bibles.  The advances of linguistic software has been used to put biblical text in many more languages.  But technology can fall into the "stuff" category and serve to complicate our lives.  I sometimes think a complete tech stuff break would be real refreshing. 

Worth Taking a Risk

The teams were tied 7-7 at the end of regulation.  Both teams missed chances during the first overtime.  In the second overtime, the Brecksville Bees scored a touchdown to go ahead 14-7.  The Hudson Explorers matched the score with their own touchdown to pull within 14-13.  The Hudson decided to go for two, a decision sure to be second guessed.  Kicking the extra point to force a third overtime was the safer bet.  Hudson pulled a trick play as the entire line went left and the pitch to the running back went to the right.  The running back ran for daylight to the end zone and a 15-14 victory.  The entire Hudson bench ran onto the field in celebration.  A hard fought game ended with the team executing on a risky play.  But as one of the Hudson players said, "we practiced that play over and over again and we knew it would work".

The life worth living involves risks.  We in this country particularly live for comfort.  Taking risks involves, well risks.  You have to put yourself out there.  I am especially reminded that the Christian life is one of risks.  Living for Jesus always means taking risks.  The world will not understand the impact of the exchanged life.  A life lived out of surrender is a life that will inevitably involve risks.  However, I was struck that the Hudson play was not a reckless risk, but one that was calculated.  It was expected to succeed.  What life is worth risking on this earth when measured in the perspective of eternity?  Can I truly live for Christ if I place my priorities on my own comfort?  I want to be sold out, ready to do whatever it takes in faith what God calls me to do.

I remember talking to a friend who was on the fence with Christianity.  I had lunch with him and I will never forget what he said.  He said he could not commit to Christ because he had a really good life and he was afraid that God would ask him to give it up and do something radical like move to Africa.  I tried to explain to him that God would never give him something he could not handle.  However, he would need to extend himself in faith because he loves Jesus.  A follower does that and trusts the result.  It is a measured, calculated risk worth taking.

I am studying with a group of Men, the book "Not a Fan" and the premise is based on this concept.  I don't want to be the fan on the sidelines watching the play.  I want to be a follower that lives out my faith completely sold out.