The Simple Life

September 27, 2019 (Friday)

Yesterday I wrote about “September Song,” which seems to bring a message about the brevity of life and the importance of family and friends. We need to love each other.

After reviewing that song, I looked for a sequel song about “October.” I found a James Taylor song, “October Road.” I’m not sure, but I think the message of this song is about the beauty of a simple life. The lyrics seem to be saying, “The frantic life that success brings can cut us off from the simple values of life.”

With that view of the song, I began wondering if there is anything in the Bible that seems to teach something like that. Then I thought of what Jesus said: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Mark 8:36-37 NIV).

One day a young man came to Jesus asking about eternal life. He was an exceptional person. He was called a “ruler;” therefore he was a person of importance who exercised authority over others. He was also described as “rich.” He was young. And he was a person who valued true morality, meticulously observing God’s laws. He must have thought to himself, “Jesus will be happy to have me as one of his followers because I have so much to offer him,” but Jesus surprised him by telling him to sell all he had and give the money to the poor before joining the ranks of those who had forsaken everything to follow him. The rich young ruler was not willing to give up the world to gain his soul. He went away, very sad, back to his way of life, literally banned from a life with Jesus by his own desires.

Give Me the Simple Life
Songwriters: Harry Ruby / Rube Bloom

Folks are blessed who make the best of everyday
Living by their own philosophy
Everyone who needs the sun must find a way
And I have found the only way for me

I don’t believe in frettin’ and grievin’;
Why mess around with strife?
I never was cut out to step and strut out.
Give me the simple life.

Some find it pleasant dining on pheasant.
Those things roll off my knife;
Just serve me tomatoes; and mashed potatoes;
Give me the simple life.

A cottage small is all I’m after,
Not one that’s spacious and wide.
A house that rings with joy and laughter
And the ones you love inside.

Some like the high road, I like the low road,
Free from the care and strife.
Sounds corny and seedy, but yes, indeedy;
Give me the simple life.

James Taylor song, “October Road.”