This movement may be understandable in our current society due to the advancement of communication and electronics, but the idea was not born in our generation. It appears to be a characteristic flaw in the nature of humankind. Governments, education, and religion are, and always have been, subject to these phenomena. Most governments have tended to evolve from somewhat simple oversight to the ultimate complexity of bureaucracy. Education often moved from the old saw of "A university is a professor on one end of a log and a student on the other," to the complexity of liberal arts undergraduates and a specific advanced degree with all kinds of addendums.

Religion must be the most difficult of all to keep simple. Something inside us seems to demand more and more ritual and great and greater complexity. Each reformation has sought to return, in some measure, to less complicated forms. However, nothing can seem to hold back the tide and eventually the rituals become more and more complex.

The worship assemblies of the early church appear to have been rather informal and generally centered on simple needs and experiences. While each individual was intimately involved, the assembly was a time of shared relationship. Over time, however, it became a pageant rivaling or exceeding the great temple worship of Judaism.

Look at prayer, for example.

Does this sound complicated?

How can one compare the lengthy and involved prayers of today’s assemblies with the pattern Jesus produced when asked, "Teach us to pray"? (Luke 11:1) Even the admonition that discourages us from long prayers — remember Jesus said that the pagans liked to use long prayers — did not impact current practices. In his model prayer, Jesus taught the following very simple principles about prayer:

• Praise the Father and seek His will
• Request the barest essentials of daily life
• Remember that forgiveness of others is prerequisite to personal forgiveness
• know that it is God who orders one’s daily life

The Secret of Happiness by Billy Graham Teaches us to live above the circumstances of life and rest in the true happiness God wants us to have.

Bill is a long time minister in Nacogdoches, Texas who loves world missions. His passion for ministry has led him all over the world. In addition to his work as a minister, he is also a licensed professional counselor. Bill's family is also involved in ministry and service to the world and community.

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