Just before preaching one Sunday my wife passed me a note. On it was written: “K I S S”. I thought she was flirting, but later she explained it meant, “Keep It Short, Stupid.” Since then I’ve come to adopt an added meaning for KISS: Keep it Simple, Stupid.

Much of leadership involves communication. Followers must understand the vision, the purpose, and how to apply the plan of the organization or task. These must be adequately declared and made clear by leaders.

Leonardo da Vinci (the artist, not the actor), said “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” The problem today is that presentations are made so complex, no one can grasp what is being meant. Take politics, for example. Can anyone understand what’s going on in Washington? I listen to the speeches and still scratch my head. I hear what they say, but what do they mean?

Professional golfer Tommy Bolt was playing in Los Angeles and had a caddy with a reputation as a constant chatterer. Before they teed off, Bolt told him, “Don’t say a word to me. And if I ask you something, just answer yes or no.” During the round, Bolt found the ball next to a clump of trees. He got down on his knees and looked through the trees and sized up the shot. “What do you think?” he asked the caddy. “Five-iron?”

“No, Mr. Bolt,” the caddy said.

“What do you mean, not a five-iron?” Bolt snorted. “Watch this shot.”

The caddy rolled his eyes. “No-o-o, Mr. Bolt!” he exclaimed. But Bolt hit it and the ball stopped about two feet from the hole. He turned to his caddy, handed him the five-iron and said, “Now what do you think about that? You can talk now.” “Mr. Bolt,” the caddy said, “that wasn’t your ball.”

The most important message in the world is the good news that salvation is available through Jesus Christ. This message must be communicated in a way that hearers can respond and receive the life that is offered. Karl Barth, the great theologian, was once asked, “What is the greatest theological thought that has ever crossed your mind?” Some very complicated answer was expected, but his answer was this: “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” That is the “simplicity that is in Christ.”

Paul, the apostle, author of nearly half of the New Testament explained to his readers, “I didn’t try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple…” (1 Corinthians 2:1 The Message). That is good advice to all who attempt to lead others in the way of the Master.

Del Loy is pastor of Crosspoint Church in Natchez