Topic: Finances
Focus: Not worrying about money
1 Timothy 6:8 (NCV) But, if we have food and clothes, we will be satisfied with that.
Some of the teachings of Jesus went ‘against the grain’. He constantly challenged us in the areas of fear and self-sufficiency. In everything Jesus taught, He tried to get us to think about others more than ourselves and to trust God rather than relying on our own abilities.
Isn’t it a common fantasy to want a regular paycheck? Or better yet, someone to just take care of us? Wouldn’t we all love to know that we never had to give another moment’s thought as to how next month’s bills would be met? Or have to wonder about how we’d afford to live when we’re too old to work for a living?
Times have changed a lot since Jesus walked the earth. The cost of living has increased considerably. We have grown accustomed to a much higher standard of living. Yet in spite of all of those things—God has not changed. He still controls the universe. He still owns the cattle on a thousand hills and the wealth in every mine. His resources have not run out. He will always be able to supply more than we have the capability of using.
No matter how many times we’ve heard it before, it’s always good to review how Jesus responded to the things He knew His followers were concerned about.
Jesus said, “Don’t worry about the food you need to stay alive, or about the clothes you need for your body. Life is more than food and the body is more than clothes.”
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Jesus told them to look at the birds. “They don’t plant crops or harvest them. They don’t have storehouses or barns, but God feeds them.” He reminded the people that they are worth much more than birds. Jesus made a profound statement when He said, “You can’t add any time to your life by worrying about things.”
Worrying doesn’t produce anything positive. When we worry, it’s more than likely life will be ‘subtracted’, as opposed to ‘added’.
Jesus scolded His followers by pointing out that they weren’t even capable of doing the little things—so why worry about the big things?
Jesus said, “Consider how the lilies grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So how much more will God clothe you? Don’t have so little faith!”
It must have been hard for Jesus to deal with the kind of cares and concerns we have here on earth compared to what He knew about the vast riches and loving kindness of His Heavenly Father. Yet, His motivation was not to make us feel bad, but to encourage us to trust God instead of being afraid for the future.
Jesus went on to say, “Don’t always think about what you will eat or what you will drink, and don’t keep worrying. All the people in the world are trying to get these things, and your Father knows you need them. But seek God’s kingdom first, and all your other needs will be met as well.”
The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy warning him that some people thought of serving God as a way to get rich. Paul went on to explain that serving God does make us very rich, if we’re satisfied with what we have. We brought nothing into the world and we won’t be taking anything out. Considering this, we should be content with food and clothes.
Paul continued instructing Timothy by telling him that people who want to become rich bring temptation upon themselves and they’re caught up in a trap. Some people have even left the faith because they wanted to get more money. In the end, they caused themselves much sorrow.
The best way for us to live is by serving God and having faith, love, patience, and gentleness. We are to fight the good fight of faith and grab hold of the life that will continue forever.
Declaration: I will find new strength by refusing to worry or fear about my future finances. The Lord will take care of me. He will meet all of my needs and provide me with a future and a home.
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