The Simplicity on the Other Side of Complexity

"I would not give a fig for the simplicity this side of complexity, but I would give my life for the simplicity on the other side of complexity."  -Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

Adam and Eve

Adam and Eve experienced the simplicity on this side of complexity as they lived blissfully in the Garden of Eden. Life was easy.

When they were cast out of the Garden, the simplicity was replaced with complexity. By the sweat of their brow they had to toil for every meal. Thistles and thorns and all the dangers of a telestial world threatened them. A son killed his brother. Even their spiritual lives were fraught with complexity as they were given commandments without understanding the "why":

6 And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me. 

7 And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth. (Moses 5:6-7)

However, were it not for their experience and struggle with the complexity, they never would have discovered the simplicity on the other side of complexity, and it was all worth it. Hear what they had to say:

10 And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God. 

11 And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient. (Moses 5:10-11)

The Faith Journey

Simply put, our faith does not stand still; it has a very short shelf-life. Faith also has an interesting life-cycle, as we saw in the example of Adam and Eve. A similar pattern often happens with missionaries or college students as they leave the simplicity of youthful faith and are faced with complexities and ambiguities, sometimes for the first time in their lives.

When we notice the gap between the ideal and the real, it can be tough. For example, realizing the youth leader (or bishop or parent) that we idolized as a kid is a fallible human being, just like us, it can be tough. When we learn that our fellow missionaries are imperfect, just like us, it can be tough. When we first encounter an aspect of church history that is difficult to understand, or we are faced with doubts that come from the growing chasm between the Church and the world, it can certainly be tough.

These faith challenges, like any challenge in life, are ultimately for our benefit and can strengthen us if we learn and grow from them. When we arrive at the other side of the complexity, having overcome with the Lord's help, we look back and see the benefit of the complexity. As Holmes suggests, the clarity on the other side of complexity is worth the cost - worth every complexity we face.

My Encouragement

To those currently on this side of complexity, where simplicity exists because life is smooth-sailing, I warn that complexity will inevitably come. Complexity is a requirement of mortality because it facilitates personal growth. We cannot remain innocent in the Garden of Eden forever, as fun as that may sound, because we will never become who God intends us to become. Brace yourself. Make a choice to doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith, and when challenged, cling to the testimony you've already gained.

To those who are currently in the midst of complexity, don't ever forget that God loves you. He is aware of you and will turn this complexity into a blessing you cannot yet begin to comprehend. Hang in there. The clarity on the other side of complexity is worth the struggle.

You have friends and loved ones who will help you, so don't be afraid to ask for help. Ask your questions. Bring up your concerns. And most importantly, you have a Savior who perfectly understands your challenges, and His hand of mercy is always stretched out toward you. He truly stands at the door and knocks; all you have to do is open your heart and your mind to Him.

And finally, to those who have found the simplicity on the other side of complexity, please realize that complexities never truly end. I still have questions that I haven't found good answers to, but they don't cause me to question what I do know. Don't take the simplicity for granted. Be kind and especially mindful of those in the midst of their complexity. Help them get to the other side without judgment. Give others hope by sharing the peace and confidence that comes with the simplicity of the other side of complexity.

Conclusion

If you've ever heard someone share their testimony about the joy of living the gospel or about how simple the gospel is or about how "it all just makes sense," that's the fruit of the simplicity on the other side of complexity. That joy, peace, and confidence is real. You can have it in your life as well. It's only possible through the atoning sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ, an atonement that was made for you. His grace is sufficient for you, and His intention is to get you there.

Acknowledgment
I appreciate the words of Elder and Sister Hafen that have helped me understand the principles outlined above. I recently read their book Faith Is Not Blind, listened to some podcast interviews they did on the Leading Saints podcast, and read the devotional address Elder Hafen gave at BYU 30 years ago.