Then Jesus said to
his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what
you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than
food, and the body more than clothes. For the pagan world runs after all such
things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and
these things will be given to you as well.” (Luke 12:22-23 & 30-31
NIV)
his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what
you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than
food, and the body more than clothes. For the pagan world runs after all such
things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and
these things will be given to you as well.” (Luke 12:22-23 & 30-31
NIV)
“Do not worry
about food and clothes” is a tall order. Thinking about “not taking
thought” will take considerable time and meditation. Note that this
passage isn’t a group of commands. Rather, it is an example of reasoning . . .
think it through. Jesus certainly didn’t mean for us to be lazy or
irresponsible.
about food and clothes” is a tall order. Thinking about “not taking
thought” will take considerable time and meditation. Note that this
passage isn’t a group of commands. Rather, it is an example of reasoning . . .
think it through. Jesus certainly didn’t mean for us to be lazy or
irresponsible.
Read the complete
story (12:22-34) and consider the Lord’s positive statements. Life consists of
more than eating food. The body is more important than the clothes one wears.
To God, we are more important than the birds that fly around our lawns and he has graciously provided for them.
story (12:22-34) and consider the Lord’s positive statements. Life consists of
more than eating food. The body is more important than the clothes one wears.
To God, we are more important than the birds that fly around our lawns and he has graciously provided for them.
A person cannot add
time to his/her life or inches to his/her height. Jesus asks, “Since you cannot
do this little thing, why concern yourself about the rest?” God takes care of
the birds and he will take care of you. Consider that: to God, adding inches or
time to you is “a little thing.”
time to his/her life or inches to his/her height. Jesus asks, “Since you cannot
do this little thing, why concern yourself about the rest?” God takes care of
the birds and he will take care of you. Consider that: to God, adding inches or
time to you is “a little thing.”
Unbelievers worry
about and chase after natural things of this life. Believers have higher goals.
Believers are concerned about the Kingdom of God. Believers do not allow fear
to drive our lives. Our faith is in God. He will give us the kingdom! Our hearts
are focused on our heavenly treasure!
about and chase after natural things of this life. Believers have higher goals.
Believers are concerned about the Kingdom of God. Believers do not allow fear
to drive our lives. Our faith is in God. He will give us the kingdom! Our hearts
are focused on our heavenly treasure!
Dear Father, thank
you for the important things. Empower us with a focused concern for your
kingdom. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for the important things. Empower us with a focused concern for your
kingdom. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and
courageous today concerned with important stuff,
courageous today concerned with important stuff,