Anxiousness and Worry :: The Way

Sunday, November 1

Matthew 6:25 Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Matthew 6:27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 

Jesus speaks these words just after talking about being overly concerned with the provision of food and clothing.

In the midst of “plenty” we are quick to agree with Jesus:
     Right on, Jesus, life is far more than food!
Preach it, Jesus, we put way too much emphasis on our attire!

However, in the midst of “less”, or the threat of less, it seems that anxiousness and worry are right in bed beside us.

What happens when there is…

• a threat of the loss of health

• a threat of a faith that shrivels

• a threat of uncertainty and discord

Anxiousness and worry increase and sometimes even take over. Jesus is not so much discounting the existence of anxiousness and worry in times of less, but more so discounting the value of anxiousness and worry. They cannot add a single hour to life!

And, then ultimately, Jesus is leading us to the best alternative to a life of anxiousness and worry. Jesus concludes his teaching on anxiousness and worry with this lifelong principle.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Don’t let anxiousness and worry be our focus — let’s go to God first!

THE WAY: exploring the sermon on the mount
Matthew 6:25-33