Suddenly Uncomplicated

There seems to be an epidemic of young adults going no contact with their parents. While I believe that this trend is telling in more than one way, at the very least it demonstrates a truth that we all know: relationships are complicated. Life sometimes feels like a jumbled mess of complex situations with no clear solutions that satisfy everyone; in fact, our entire existence is interwoven with others in more ways than we can count.

I remember when Facebook made its debut, and “it’s complicated” was a popular relationship status option. In reality, it goes without saying that whether you’re married, single, or just friends, “it’s complicated” easily applies, because every human interaction is colored by emotion, sin, and motives that are often driven by a heart that is, by its biblical definition, a liar.

And maybe understanding this about our situation as human beings, and especially as Christians, can give us a greater longing for heaven. Once we draw our final breath on earth and open our eyes to the beauty of eternity, all of those complications that plagued us will suddenly become uncomplicated. Simplicity will be a new way of existing, in a place where no sin, no sickness, no mental health issues exist. Where no awkward conversations, no interventions, no wringing of the hands will ever be necessary again. We won’t need to try to figure out what to do next. We won’t need to try to decide how to handle this person or that person. Imagine a world in which relationships are simply perfect. That’s heaven. No one we want to avoid. No sinful attitudes keeping us from loving each other completely. Perspective that helps us perfectly understand all that came before this moment. Absolute peace.

It’s wonderful to think about, but as long as God is still putting breath in our lungs, it’s not for us right now. That doesn’t mean that our relationships in this world are without hope. They may remain complicated, but they can also carry the aroma of Christ because we are personally seeking the Lord and learning from his word. We can’t control the way other people think or behave, but we can be self-controlled and exhibit the the fruits of the spirit, even in the face of the most complicated life situations, because the spirit of God lives inside of us.

He has perfectly numbered our days and has filled every complication with purpose, for our good and His glory. And when the days are so hard that we don’t see how things will ever be right or normal or easy again, we can cling to the truth that all of this mess will suddenly become uncomplicated when we enter the presence of Jesus. I sang this song as a child, and it rings truer to me every day as I get closer to eternity: “The things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”