Jesus gave some advice about keeping your integrity and living simply. He said to not swear oaths with many words, but to, “Let your yes be yes and your no be no.”
Just now I am studying deeply the Disciplines of Simplicity and Solitude (or Silence) from Richard Foster’s book, “The Celebration of Discipline.” These Disciplines seem to go together quite nicely. You go into solitude and silence to discover what God wants you to say and do, and them you act simply without fanfare and self-centeredness.
As I contemplate upon these, I grabbed some time from my travels this week to check the headlines. We’re in an intense political season, and this week is a big one what with President Obama giving his State of the Union address and the Republicans lining up to blast it (even before they heard it). In checking Tuesday’s headlines, I saw some congresspeople spouting off many words that were actually contradicted by other news headlines about the economy on the same front page of the newspaper.
And I thought, how can all these people get up and say what they say with a straight face? No wonder the American people by and large long for a leader who speaks simply, with force and depth. One who isn’t merely trying to score debate points or make himself or herself (although there are a noticeable lack of females in this election cycle) look better than they are.
I sincerely hope I don’t come across that way. Or that you do. Live simply. Say what needs to be said–no more. Speak from the fruits of your solitude as you seek God’s guidance.
I’m just glad I chose a different career path than that of politician.
Faith Venture 
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