(Published in The Christian Journal – Medford, OR – August 2018)
In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He compares us so effectively to the birds of the air and the grass of the field. It is the picture of the grass that most attracts my imagination when He says, “Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” Matthew 6:30. James expresses, in agreement, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” James 4:14
Life is so short, we need to redeem the time we have (Eph 5:16; Col 4:4). Even if we had the lifespan of Methuselah, worry would still be robbery from God. Our lives are in service to the Eternal King who did not make us for frivolous concerns but to live fully in His presence, our lives a living testament to His love and promises. Consider Romans 8:12-17:
“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors — not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”
We did not “receive the spirit of bondage again to fear.” It is in the flesh to worry. We are heirs of the King, what do we truly have to worry about? God has promised to provide for us if we will only trust in Him. To truly trust in Him is freedom from worry.
Instead of being filled with concerns born of the flesh, let us instead subscribe to that which Paul teaches in Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”