Today’s scripture: Matthew 6:25-34 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Brent Walsh):
It was just this last Sunday in our Financial Peace University class that the debate arose over how much a person should worry about their future.
We had just finished a lesson on long-term savings for things like college and retirement. One person suggested that we should be reluctant to spend money on anything that is not completely necessary until we are in a secure financial position with ample savings. Another person disagreed, saying that if you wait until you’re financially secure before you do anything, then life could pass you by. Money can always be gained, she said, but you can’t get back the time that you wish you had spent on vacation with your kids.
So which is the better advice? Do we worry about the future, thereby putting off doing fun things until we can afford them? Or do we throw caution to the wind and risk running short, in order to fill our lives with fun memories?
Today we see that Jesus says,
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes. . . Look at the birds of the air: they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. . . ”
Upon first glance, it looks like Jesus is disregarding the value of a good plan for the future. In other parts of the Bible we are urged to work hard, save for the future, and be wise with the money we have. Why would Jesus say not to worry about these things? Is he suggesting we should just sit around and wait for God to throw money, food, and clothes on our doorsteps?
I don’t think so. If you look a bit further into Jesus’ words, you will see he says,
“. . .your heavenly Father knows that you need [these things]. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
I think what Jesus is saying is that there should be a balance of concern between planning for the future and living a full life. You should do everything in your power to clothe your family and put food on the table, but if money is tight, you should not sit around worrying about where your next meal will come from. This is God’s promise that we will be taken care of. So plan for the future to the best of your ability, and live every day with purpose. Serve the Lord diligently and God will make sure you have what you need.
Thought for the day: How is my balance? Do I spend too much or save too much? Am I full of worry, or full of trust?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.