Worry is a Waste of Time

Life is full of choices. We see the choice in Matthew 6:19-21 between 2 treasures (Treasure on earth or Treasure in heaven); in 6:22-23 between 2 states of being (Light or Darkness); in 6:24 between 2 masters (God or possessions); in 6:25-34 between 2 preoccupations (our bodies or God). Jesus says make a choice. We feel the pull of worldly ambition; materialism dulls our senses; spoils our appetite for spiritual things. Jesus want us to choose well. It’s like Jesus is putting the false and true up against each other; holding them up for us to see; inviting us to compare the 2 – to find out for ourselves which is better. He shows the foolishness of chasing earthly treasures and the wisdom of seeking the things of God. More than ever in these times in which we live – with exploding populations and harsh economic times, Christians are realizing that money and prestige isn’t where it’s all at; reevaluating our conspicuous consumerism; our out of balance consumption in light of the times and it is waking us up to Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount. It isn’t just for people back then, it makes tons of sense right now.

Jesus says the world’s ambition is imbalanced. Those who don;t follow Jesus seek 1st their own security; losing both it and their souls. Like the man who wanted to build himself bigger barns and said to his soul, relax, you have it made – when God said you fool! This very night your soul is required of you. You didn’t prepare your heart and what you did prepare someone else will enjoy.

His reign in your life and the world. God’s specific rule over His people. Starts when you humble yourself, repent, believe, yield to God, are born again. Seek 1st His K – to want most the spread and increase of the rule of Christ. God’s Kingdom exists only where Christ is acknowledged as Lord. It starts 1st in your life: your home life, marriage, family, how you take care of your business dealings, professional life, bank account, tax refunds; how you live, what kind of lifestyle, what kind of citizen you are. It also has to do with your relationships – your perspective towards unbelievers – whether or not you accept your evangelistic responsibility towards those who do not know Jesus – friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers and also having a global concern. [BTW - hunger is not a case of God not providing enough food but of people not sharing enough of what they have. God has given ample resources but people hoard and waste it and do not share.]

Why do we care if the gospel is spread? For the glory of God. To add to the worship. To desire that God’s name be praised and Christ be honored. And for the future – we await Christ’s return. Phil. 2 says that one day every knee will bow to Jesus, every tongue confess that He is Lord.