By Scott Shifferd, Jr
What did Jesus say about worry? Many times, we worry about what is not worth the time to worry. In the beginning and the end of Jesus' ministry, He taught,
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?” (Luke 12:22-24, cf. Matt. 6:25ff)
Should we not worry about where our next meal will come from? Should we not worry about what our family will wear? If we do not worry about food and clothing, then why worry about other problems?
What good comes from anxiety and worry? What does Jesus say? “And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?” (Luke 12:25-26). Worrying will not improve your life or comfort you. How much does worry help you fix things that you cannot control?
What is worry? Instead of the words “anxiety” or “worry”, the KJV says, “Take not thought for your life” (Lk 12:22). This is a good translation of the original. The Greek word for anxiety is made of 2 words. These are “divide” and “memory”, which is a vivid description of the mind divided over anxiety and stress. May God help to not divide our minds.
Have faith in Christ and keep your priority on Him? Jesus said,
“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. [...] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:29-31, 34).
Not only does anxiety show a lack of faith in God, anxiety disrupts life’s priorities. What are your priorities in this life? Where is your heart and where are your treasures?
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