Jesus Tells Us Not to Worry!

“God has always very well looked after me.”
– Glen James, a homeless man who was honored for turning in a backpack containing $42,000 in cash and traveler’s checks that he found. USA Today

In His sermon on the mount, Jesus gave His disciples some important instructions to live by. He said to lay up treasure in heaven (by helping others); keep your eye good (guard what you allow to influence your inner self); and make God your Master (and you will not be able to serve another Master)

But if we do what Jesus says, what about the future here on earth? For instance, if we lay up treasure in heaven instead of on earth, how will we provide for our future? Where will our physical necessities like food and clothing come from? How can we keep from worrying about such things?

Jesus' discussion concerning material riches (i.e., "mammon") did not end with Matthew 6:24. It really continues on to the end of the chapter. There, Jesus addresses such concerns regarding the future Beginning with Matthew 6:25, Jesus gives several reasons why we shouldn't worry about such things.  In so doing, He establishes two important principles that are crucial to winning the war over worry. Let's examine these now.

First, we should have faith in God's providence. Jesus tells us not to worry. In fact, he makes four arguments why we shouldn't.

1. Is not life and body more important than food and clothing? (Matthew 6:25)
2. Look at the birds of the air, are you not more valuable than they? (Matthew 6:26)
3. Can you grow simply by worrying? (Matthew 6:27)
4. Consider the lilies, won't God provide for you also? (Mt 6:28-30)

Also, if we worry, we are of little faith (Matthew 6:30). Jesus's summarizes God's providence like this:

1. Don't worry about food and clothing (Matthew 6:31);
2. People without God (e.g., the Gentiles) naturally worry about these things (Matthew 6:32);
3. We have God as our Heavenly Father, and He knows that we need such things!

Therefore, we need to develop faith in God's providence; both in His ability and willingness to provide for His children. But the promise of His providence is conditioned upon our willingness to make God's will our number one priority. How can this be done?

Seek first the kingdom of God. We must make the will of God the number one priority in our life (Matthew  6:33). We do this in several different ways. This can be accomplished  by serving God instead of "mammon;" letting the "lamp" of our body be a "good eye" (i.e., focused clearly on that which is good, true, and righteous); laying up treasure in heaven (by using earthly treasure to help others (Matthew 19:21; Luke 12:33-34; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). Do this, and God will provide for your physical needs. For He is certainly "able" and He is certainly "willing."

Another way to develop strong faith in God's providence is, don't worry about tomorrow! I know that this might be hard for some to accept, but today has enough trouble with which to concern yourself (Matthew 6:34). We aren't capable of handling tomorrow's worries.We have no control over the future. Worrying about the future only distracts us from the duties of the present.

Today's problems are all we are capable of handling without becoming distracted. Let tomorrow take care of itself by trusting in God, and by doing God's will today! Let your undivided attention be given to seeking God's rule in your life. Make His kingdom the number one priority in your life. And, concern yourself with His righteousness, not your riches.

In conclusion, the motto of many is "Don't worry, be happy!"; but Jesus qualifies that motto by saying: "Don't worry, seek God's will first, and you will be happy!" If we take to heart what Jesus says, then our lives will be like homes built on a rock (cf. Matthew 7:24-25). No matter what "storms" of life may come our way...our treasure is in heaven and our Father will provide for us during our earthly journey!

If we don't follow Jesus' teachings, if we allow ourselves to serve perishable "mammon," then we must go through life on earth without God's help. And without it,  we have no hope of eternity with God when we die. That's why we must "Seek first the kingdom of God..."!

Scripture: Psalm 111:5; Luke 12:23-24; Matthew 6:25-26; Romans 12:2; Isaiah 26:4; Micah 6:8; Psalm 143:10

Prayer: Dear Father, give me the wisdom to be patient and kind. Help me understand that sometimes people struggle to be understanding and forgiving. Amen

May God be with you!

CarrieAnne