Monday, May 18,
Addressing the issue of worrying, Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes.” (Matthew 6:25) I hope you realize that people in Jesus’ day were no different than the people of today. Just as they did then, most honest people today will confess that they worry, or place more value than they should, on things that really do not have that much importance. Many will not admit that things such as food and clothes are at the top of their priorities list and although I am not on Facebook, the majority of the few pictures I do see from time to time show folks eating their favorite foods or at their favorite restaurants, or else the new clothes they just bought. If food is not so important in the lives of people today, why are the TV food channels so popular and why have so many chefs become household names all of a sudden?
Please let it be known that I’m not here to rain on your parade for I am like most people. I also like food and have my favorite eating places and I don’t turn down too many invitations to go meet someone at a particular restaurant. Like many of you, I also get the urge from time to time to go eat at one of our favorite places. Nevertheless, I don’t overly worry or lose any sleep over it. C’mon, how many times have you caught yourself thinking about your next meal while you’re still not done with the one you’re eating? The truth is, I don’t recall ever feeling guilty or foolish when I have done that. Maybe I should.
However, the main points Jesus made about worrying, as well as other places in the Bible are: First, there is no need for it. In Psalm 39, David wrote that people in general “heap up riches” (vs 6) and have no idea who will actually wind up with them. Secondly, having all the food, clothes, money or material things the world can offer, will never bring peace, satisfaction, or happiness. Such things only come to those who please God. (See Ecclesiastes2:26) Thirdly, There is no better thing than to have Christ and the peace He gives. Ecclesiastes 4:6 says: “Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” (4) In His Parable of the Sower, Jesus said that those who make life’s riches and pleasures their main focus, miss out on receiving the benefits of the Christian life. (See Luke 8:14) Such was the case with Martha, Lazarus’ sister. She missed out on the full benefits of Jesus’ visit to her home because she was more concerned about the meal she was going to prepare for Him and the rest of His party than just being in His presence. Don’t miss out on the peace, joy, satisfaction, and happiness just knowing Christ can bring by worrying more than you should on unimportant things. Having Jesus in our life is all we’ll ever really need.
Memory verse for the week: (Matthew 6:33 KJV) “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
