Simple-mindedness

photo by: Bruce Nevin Haines

The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple
(Psalm 119:30 NASB)

Strong’s Concordance defines the word used here as simple to mean: silly, easily enticed, one easily persuaded, unskilled, foolish, seducible.  Now this is the kind of simple-mindedness we would want to avoid.  We desire to become wise and discerning, able to perceive deception or ill-intent.  But there is another kind of simple mindedness that Scripture speaks about.  But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ
(2 Corinthians 11:3 NASB)

The simplicity and purity of devotion to Jesus Christ, now that’s the kind of simple-mindedness I desire.  This word, “simplicity” is only used in this verse in the entire Bible, according to Strong’s Concordance.  It is the only entry that appears when looking up the definition.  It means: singleness, sincerity and mental honesty. The virtue of one who is free from pretense and hypocrisy. Not self-seeking, open-ness of heart manifesting itself by generosity. 

O Yes, Lord, make me like that.  Deliver me from any foolishness that I have and make me honest, sincere, free from pretense and hypocrisy.  Guide me dearest God to not be self-seeking, have an open-ness of heart that draws others to You, and a generosity that always puts others before myself.  Lord, transform me from where I am now, to who You are.  I want to be more like You, Jesus, more and more like You.  Have Your way with me Lord and make me simple-minded. Amen