The Simplicity in Christ: Undiluted devotion to Him

The concept of simplicity in Christ refers to a single-minded devotion to Him, much like the sacred time of espousal (engagement) in the East. During that time, any infidelities and unfaithfulness are considered as adulteries after marriage. 

The word "simplicity" can also mean a singular devotion to Christ, an undivided love for Him, and an unconditional service to Him. The "simplicity of the gospel" is often misunderstood as something that is easily understandable to everyone, but in reality, it means unmixed and undiluted.

I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. (2 Cor 11:3)

Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat of any tree in the garden?' (Gen 3:1)

St. Paul views the Church as the bride of Christ, to whom he has arranged the marriage, and considers it his duty to protect the purity of the Church, much like a father would protect the chastity of his betrothed daughter. "Simplicity" can also be interpreted as a single-minded devotion to Christ, a complete devotion to serving Him, and an undivided love for Him.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. (Eph 4:14)

Its importance to remain true to Christ in our faith as members of the Christian Church here are ways we should aim at keeping our devotion to Christ.

I. The Unique Role of the Christian Church:

The role of the Christian Church is unique and singular, much like that of a wife to her husband. Christ is the head, Lord, and husband of the Church, and we, as members, are his brethren. No other authority can take his place and the Church must maintain its full devotion to him. The Church has only one husband, and that is Christ.

II. The Spirit of the Church towards Christ:

Our loyalty to Christ as members of the Church should be expressed through our love and obedience to him. Living in Christ and allowing him to live in us is the ultimate expression of this devotion.

III. Temptations Faced by the Church:

Just as a wife may face temptations that threaten her loyalty to her husband, the Church is also exposed to temptations that can take it away from its devotion to Christ. These temptations can take many forms, including worldliness, self-indulgence, art, and scientific knowledge. The message remains the same, however, if we want to be disciples of Christ, we must forsake all and remain devoted to him alone. St. Paul counted everything as loss for the sake of Christ and would not allow anything to come between him and his Lord.

In conclusion, as members of the Christian Church, it is essential that we remain true to our devotion to Christ. This requires us to maintain our loyalty to him, despite temptations that may come our way. Let us be reminded of St. Paul's example, who counted everything as loss for the sake of Christ, and remained devoted to him alone.

The place of the Christian Church is unique and cannot be rivaled, with Christ as its Head, Lord, and Husband. The Church must have full loyalty to Christ, expressed in loving submissions and obediences, and must resist temptations to turn away from Him, such as worldliness, self-indulgence, and worldly knowledge. St. Paul considered everything else to be a loss in comparison to Christ and was determined to have nothing come between him and his one Lord.

Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Cor 5:8)