ANXIETY OVER THINGS

It seems to me that we as a nation are very concerned and anxious over things and possessions. Furthermore, it appears that the more we have the more anxious we are to acquire even more. Some people would probably like to ask, “What is wrong with that?” In reply I would refer you to the New Testament and the words of Jesus Christ.

Matthew records the words of Jesus on this subject like this: (Matt. 6:25) “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” Luke informs us that Jesus told his disciples: (Luke 12:22) “And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.”(Luke 12:29) “And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.” Friends, if you claim to be a disciple of Jesus Christ these words are spoken just as directly to you as to the one who heard the words coming out of Jesus’ mouth. And John tells us that Jesus said: (John 6:27) “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” Why would Jesus speak such words? For one thing He knew that there are dishonest people, who would cheat and steal from their fellow man to acquire money or worldly possessions that they desire to have. Secondly, Jesus also knows that others would neglect their service and worship to God in order to gain money and the things they long for.

God’s providential care should keep us from being over anxious about worldly things. Again I refer to the words of Jesus: (Matt. 6:26) “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” Unless I am badly mistaken Jesus is simply telling us to look around and see what God is doing for the birds! To this thought Jesus added that we should not be over anxious about what we put on our backs: (Matt 6:28) “And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:” How long has it been since you took a close look at the lilies of the field? Can you match their splendor? God provides for them, what makes you think that He won’t do the same for you? This is exactly what Jesus said in the same context: (Matt 6:30) “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Please notice what is required on our behalf; faith! What should we be laboring for? (John 6:27) “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” If we are not working for the right thing we will have all eternity to regret the choice that we made.

God has made a promise to those who are content with the things which they have: (Heb 13:5) “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” This is a promise from God! Do you believe Him? Just as God provided the sacrifice for Abraham and he did not have to take the life of his son, God will also provide the things that we need to sustain life. Through FAITH TRUST GOD. (Psa 37:5) ”Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”

A final thought; it is vanity to be over anxious: (Eccl 4:8) “There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.” (Psa 39:6) “Surely every man walketh in a vain show: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.