Dealing with Worry
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Matthew 6:33-34
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that anxious people have two treasures and two visions, because they try to serve two masters. Such double-minded people inevitably worry about tomorrow and their possessions. Regarding the latter, there is the constant concern for maintaining and protecting material possessions. The second law of thermodynamics (the law of entrophy) states that without the introduction of new energy, all systems become progressively more disorderly and will decay. If rust doesn’t destroy them, then moths or termites will. Earthly treasures tempt other people to covet and steal, which will pose a concern for their security. It is hard to be anxiety-free when we are worried about our possessions.
It is important to note that there is nothing inherently wrong with having material possessions. It is the love of money—not money itself—that is the root of all sorts of evil (see 1 Timothy 6:10). Paul tells us, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (verses 17-19). Personal security comes from relationships, not physical possessions. The critical question is what do we treasure in our hearts. There will be no peace trying to serve two masters. Whichever master we choose to serve, by that master we shall be controlled.
Jesus then addresses the matter of our provision. People are anxious about tomorrow because they don’t know what tomorrow brings. Trusting God for tomorrow is a question of our worth. Birds are not created in the image of God, but we are! Birds will not inherit the kingdom of God, but we will! If God takes care of the birds, how much more will He take care of us! “If . . . God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you?” (verse 30).
God lays His own reputation on the line. It is our responsibility to trust and obey. It is His responsibility to remain faithful. This is a question of God’s integrity. Does He care for you, and will He provide for your needs? Yes and yes! Your heavenly Father knows what you need. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (verse 34).
Do you believe that the fruit of the Spirit will satisfy you more than earthly possessions? Do you believe that if you hunger and thirst after righteousness you will be satisfied? Do you believe that God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory? If you do, then you will “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (verse 33).
questions to consider:
What is the problem with being double-minded?
Why do people worry about their possessions?
What is the difference between the security people hope to gain with material possessions and the security Christians can have in righteous relationships with God and each other?
What are you worried about? Whose responsibility is it?
What do you treasure in your heart? Which master are you serving?
Neil T. Anderson is the founder of Freedom in Christ Ministries. He began the ministry in 1989 and continues to spread the message of freedom to this day.