Don’t Worry
Don’t Worry
25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Matthew 6:25
Last week we talked about our treasures. The question was asked, where do you focus most of your effort and attention? Is it on the physical things of this world or is it in our future life with God in heaven?
Today, we will continue with this theme. Jesus made it perfectly clear that he loves us and wants the best for us. He made it very clear that he knows what we need in this life. He himself came down to this world to experience it. He said to put our focus on the things of heaven but that creates anxiety for us who believe that we ourselves must care for our futures here. Matthew 6:25 is telling us the exact opposite. Jesus, knowing our needs, is promising that we will have our futures here secured even if we put our focus on the heavenly things first. This is where true faith is experienced and challenged. Do not worry! That is the core theme of Matthew 6:25. Do not worry, not because you will win the lottery and not have to worry about but, but because God will always provide your needs in this life. Notice I say needs here and not wants.
It is the difference between needs and wants that our true struggle rests. God promises our needs will be met but the world offers us wants to fill our joy, desire and fulfilment. The wants of this life truly are appealing. Who wouldn’t want a big fancy home, expensive car, pool, world vacations and more? This world can be very hard and stressful and that vacation can really be a benefit sometimes. The struggle however is what is more important to you? Will you put that ‘want’, whatever it may be above what God is trying to give or lead in your life?
The problem with wants is that they are never satiated. You can always have room for more and in fact an old want quickly loses its appeal and something bigger is desired. Wants can easily become more and more important in someone’s life. It can quickly rise up in the pyramid of importance you create for yourself. If not restrained and controlled, it can even take the spot of God.
Don’t get me wrong. There is no problem in having a big home, fancy car, pool, enjoying a luxury vacation or other expensive things. Wants, in of themselves, are not sinful just as money itself is not sinful. Sin begins when those things begin to take control of a person’s mind and life. When you begin to worry, not about your needs but your lack of wants, it is a sign that you may be going down a dangerous path.
Do not worry. It’s a simple message from God. Are you following it?
God bless,
Pr. Steven Couto