Today’s Reading: Matthew 6:30-32 (HCSB)
O you of little faith. Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ Forthe Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
Today’s Question: Is there something that is beyond your control that drives you crazy?
Today’s Commentary:
Worry is a lack of faith in Christ. He commanded His followers not to worry. So, if we worry, we are essentially lacking in our faith. How deep can I go in a relationship with anyone if I lack a foundation of trust? I can call this person an acquaintance, but cannot honestly title him a “friend.”
Before we dive deeper into this issue of faith, we need to define “worry.” What constitutes a “worry” versus a “concern”? At the risk of oversimplification, I will offer a basic understanding. I worry about things for which I have no ultimate control. I should be concern for the things in which God has commanded my responsibility.
For example, I should not worry about the men my three boys will be twenty years from now. I cannot control their decisions and direction. I have, however, been given the responsibility of teaching and training them in the Gospel of our Lord. I should be concerned about the lessons I am teaching, especially the faith in Christ I display for them each day in my words, actions, and attitude. I can control that and Christ has commanded me to do so.
Jesus was so emphatic that worry is a problem of faith that He attributed this vise to the worship of idols. If I am worries about food, my appetite is my god. If I worry about clothing, my appearance is my god. If I worry about financial resources and future security, money is my god. Jesus reminds His disciples that the pagans are consumed with worry-filled lives that reflect their inner struggle with God. There is absolutely no reason for the Christian to participate in the activity of insecurity!
Faith in Christ cures worry. The enemy to our God tempts us to question the ability of God to provide our needs and intervene in the most difficult situations. Jesus calls us to take a step of faith and watch Him do something miraculous. We cannot allow the worries of this life rob us of the opportunities to see the power of God and increase our faith in Him.
“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #44: By following Christ with unwavering faith, the Christian can reject the temptation to worry.
Today’s Prayer Point: Pray that God would protect your witness by removing the stress of worry from your day.
Shepherding Well 