What, me worry?
These are rough times, tough times. We are at war on multiple fronts, gas prices are fluctuating, and the economy is...I'm not sure I have the proper adjective for what the economy is. Add in the elections...differing philosophies, TV ads stirring things up...the anxiety level among the American public is amazingly high.
And the anxiety level among Christians... ...should be non-existent.
That's right, Christians should not be worried. Jesus commanded us not to worry: Therefore I tell you, do not worry...
He spoke to His followers then, those under severe Roman persecution, without liberties, with an unfair tax structure, with concerns about taking care of their families and their futures: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:22-34
Hear His words!
Do not worry about your life...
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
O you of little faith!
But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
Your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
There is a retired pastor, Rev. Richard Hogue, who oversaw the Local Pastor Licensing School that I attended. One of the greatest pieces of wisdom that he shared was this; "Be a non-anxious presence." In other words, leaders should be following Christ's example, and modeling it for the church. But I don't think Richard's advice is solely for pastors. Jesus was talking to all His followers, and that includes you and I.
Do you believe in God? Then believe His Son, and Let not your hearts be troubled. John 14:1
Friends, believers have a tremendous responsibility...and opportunity...during trying times. When you can walk around your workplace, your neighborhood, your home, and your church, with the joy, what a tremendous witness that is to the peace and power of God! I am not talking about some Pollyanish, unrealistic view of current circumstances. I am talking about an actual recognition of serving, and being served by the God that is above these circumstances, the God that is bigger than Wall Street, and the King that is bigger than Capitol Hill.
"That's my King! Do you know Him?"*****
*****You want to feel better? Go watch this video:
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=bf3c5b47bc9b50f214af Jim
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Questions:
1. How is your anxiety level?
2. How are you seeking God to remain non-anxious?
3. Do you feel a responsibility to reflect His peace to non-believers?
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"The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus." Hudson Taylor
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