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Do You Mean, 'Don't Worry'?
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All I hear
about on the radio or see on TV these days is the financial
situation in our country. The presidential debates have been
filled with their plans for the future. I wish I understood it
all, but I do not. What I do know is that many in our country
are concerned and fearful of what the future will be, and
maybe you find yourself as one.
But we do not need a financial crisis to be concerned with
money. This may surprise you, but college students typically
do not have a lot of money. I know that shocks you, but it is
true. It is easy to allow monetary concerns to dominate our
lives to the point that we neglect our spiritual concerns. The
search for physical comfort is never ending, and it is never
ending to the point of damaging our relationship with the
Father.
Jesus addresses these concerns in Matthew 6:25-34. Jesus
certainly understands the draw of money and He warns us that
we “cannot serve God and mammon” (v. 24). He encourages to
instead overcome the draw of mammon or wealth by a simple
three word solution: “Do Not Worry.” While this may seem
simplistic and a non-solution, He proceeds to explain that we,
as Christians, do not have to worry about money.
Do not worry because God will provide. “Look at the
birds of the air…your heavenly Father feeds them” (v. 26).
“Consider the lilies of the field…even Solomon in all his
glory was not arrayed like one of these” (v. 28-29). The
evidence of God providing for His creation is all around us.
We just have to look. Birds do not worry about where they will
find their next worm and likewise grass does not fret over
whether they will grow. The Lord is not ignorant of what His
creation needs to survive.
Since God provides for birds and the grass of the field, we
are assured that He will also provide for us. Jesus asks
rhetorically, “Are you not of more value than these?” (v.
26). The Lord has not abandoned us to struggle and strive
alone. We must have confidence in the Lord to fulfill His
promises to His children. It is easy to try and face the
problems of life alone and forget the covenant God has made
with us. Our faith in the Lord’s pledge to provide for us
must not waiver despite the temptations that arise in times
such as these.
It must be noted that this promise from the Lord is not a
guarantee for wealth. I have yet to see a bird go home to his
mansion and sit down to a nice steak dinner. What I have seen
is that birds have the necessities of life. Many make the
mistake of seeing hard times as the absence of God because
they expect immense riches. We have what many of the world do
not, the comfort of knowing that the Lord will provide for His
people. So do not worry.
Do not worry, but seek the Kingdom of God. There is a
distinction between those who seek wealth and those who seek
the Lord. At least this is how it ought to be, but sadly often
it is not. Our priorities shift and our souls suffer because
of it. Our minds must be devoted to the Lord instead of the
worldly concerns such as money. When speaking of money, Jesus
proclaims “for after all these things the Gentiles
seek…But seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness” (v. 32-33). Our focus in this world must be
looking for the guidance that is out of this world. Instead of
allowing finances, or the concerns of finances to guide us,
let us instead focus on assuring our salvation and doing the
work of the Lord.
If we seek the Lord first, then we will not have to worry
about material things. “But seek first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to
you” (v. 33). Jesus explains that if our prime desire is to
serve the Lord and do His work, then the physical things of
life will fall into place. What a privilege this is! None of
these statements by Christ preclude working for a living since
that would contradict the teaching of 2 Thessalonians 3, but
if we serve the Lord then the material things will be
provided. Do Not Worry.
The Lord warns us of the dangers of seeking and serving
material wealth. While we may not be the kind of people who
are searching for millions, we are concerned with the day to
day finances. There have been times when I have fretted too
much instead of trusting in the Lord. Work serves as a great
obstacle to serving the Lord because it is the outlet for
money, but we must remember to seek first the kingdom of God.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will
worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own
trouble” (v. 34). Today is important. Overcoming today’s
temptation is important. Today has enough concerns and
troubles, so let us place our faith in the Lord and not worry
about tomorrow.
Jared Rogers
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Copyright (C)
2008
Southside Church of Christ
All rights reserved.
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