SIMPLE40 - Day 6 - Christlike Obedience

Katie Donahue
Feb 23
3 min read

As we continue leaning into simplicity, something beautiful begins to emerge: simplicity is the ongoing work of aligning our will with God’s will. We often assume it is primarily about decluttering drawers, donating unused belongings, or perfecting our routines. While those things can be helpful, they are not the heart of it.

The heart of simplicity is surrender.

And no one shows us how to live that surrender better than Jesus.

For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me. ~John 6:38

Christ’s life was marked by loving obedience, freely given. Not forced or reluctant.

This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. ~John 10:17-18

He teaches that obedience is not restriction, it is gift. It is the offering of your very self. When done with pure intention, obedience becomes perfect freedom, perfect charity, and perfect simplicity.

This is the SIMPLE40 invitation today: Where is God asking for your “yes”?

Not someone else’s path. Not the woman you follow on Instagram. Not the family down the street.

Your life.

Your season.

Your call.

It has nothing to do with how many children you have, whether you work inside or outside the home, whether you grind your own wheat or grab tortillas from the store.

Your design is unique. And when you lean into it, in cooperation with Him, there is peace. It is not easy. But it is simple. And it is good.

That is obedience.

spiritual

Obedience to God always simplifies. His commands are not burdens; they are guardrails of love. The Ten Commandments are not arbitrary rules, they are actually a roadmap to freedom.

Consider the 3rd Commandment: Keep holy the Sabbath.

The word Sabbath literally means “to stop.”

Stop striving.

Stop hustling.

Stop catching up.

Stop filling every margin.

You know what this sign says...do you just ignore it because you are busy and in a hurry?

Look back at your Sunday. Was it truly a day of rest? Or a quiet productivity day disguised as rest?

Now look ahead. This coming Sunday is another opportunity.

Plan it. Prepare for it. Protect it. Decide now what you will not do.

For part of your 40 minutes of prayer today, ask God to help you keep next Sunday holy. If you need to, write down your thoughts and inspirations to refer back to to keep you on track.

Simplicity requires intention.

Obedience requires trust.

self

What are you allowing into your mind?

Today, instead of noise, choose something that draws you inward and upward. I’m once again sharing this beautiful Ukrainian Lenten hymn that so many of you loved last year. It has been playing quietly as I am preparing this message...a gentle reminder that obedience and surrender are peaceful.

Let it slow your breathing. Let it re-center your heart.

Remember to complete 40 minutes of intentional movement today.

service

Little disobediences feel harmless.

Driving just a bit over the speed limit.

Leaving something unfinished for someone else.

Procrastinating.

Cutting small corners because “everyone does.”

These choices seem to make life easier. They don’t.

They complicate your heart and soul, create subtle chaos and model inconsistency for those watching you.

Simplicity is integrity in small things.

Today, extend the “Monday Rule” into Tuesday: choose ONE task and bring it to completion. Fully. Without distraction. Without cutting corners.

Whatever you do, do it well.

This obedience in one small thing forms your heart for big things.

100 ways to serve this Lent - What are you doing today?

simple recipe

Carrot Salsa

It’s Taco Tuesday, and this Carrot Salsa is bright, fresh, and completely addictive. Scoop it with tortilla chips, spoon it over tacos, or toss in black beans and call it dinner. It rarely makes it to leftovers in our house.

Ingredients:

1 lb carrots, grated

1/2 cup red onion, diced

1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)

1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

1/3 cup fresh lime juice

1 jalapeño, finely chopped1

tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)

1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)