Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,] for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:31-34 (AMP)
It is worth knowing and understanding the trail of Jesus’ thoughts before He made the above statement. Earlier, He said to the disciples “Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 (AMP)
I believe it’s fair to say that most people, as human beings, two main things dominate our thoughts. Wealth which includes riches and the concern over basic human needs – that is, the care and welfare of the body.
This is what Jesus addressed in verses 19-34 and was certainly true of me and I believe for many others too. Jesus’ admonition hit home when I was growing up and in my early years as a Christian (in fact, even now to some extent!)
Just to be clear, I do not believe that Jesus was saying or being critical about having or owning treasures which are sometimes translated as assets. There is nothing wrong or sinful about having assets such as a retirement pension plan, a property portfolio, life insurance and so on.
The problem comes when we allow these assets to dominate us. What Jesus was in effect saying was that we should not give priority to them but give priority to the things of God and His Kingdom. When we prioritise the acquisition and possession of assets over God and the things of the Kingdom, then we open ourselves to worry and anxiety.
Growing up in my early 20’s my focus and that of my peers was mainly on “making it”. That is, the pursuit of the things we were made to believe makes a man successful. Things such as having an academic qualification, owning a house, a car or two, having several investments, and wearing the latest designer clothes.
In addition, as a young Christian, this ideology fuelled by some of the messages coming from the pulpit, books, audio, and video tapes, were not helpful either. The messages encouraged Christians materialistically. To meet these expectations, people would often take up multiple jobs, and work many hours with hardly any time to rest.
The problem this created was that people that had these things became too engrossed in them and did everything possible to keep up. Those who didn’t have it were constantly striving and labouring to acquire these things sometimes to the detriment of their health and relationship with their family. Jesus doesn’t want us as Christians living like that.
We will talk about the welfare and care of the body in the next blog.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 