Our scripture this morning is Matthew 6:25-26 (NLT).
That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
Jesus warns us against trusting in the security of our wealth and possessions – this distracts us from our reliance on God. However, He doesn’t tell us not to plan or act, but not to be obsessed with our needs or our things. We are to use God’s gifts to provide for ourselves and others responsibly.
Later in Matthew’s Gospel Jesus says “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31). All of this is to teach us how precious we are to God, who created us in His own image.
We are way too focused on the pursuit of “more”. The only thing most of us really need is more Jesus! This doesn’t mean our needs are selfish or unjustified, only that worrying won’t change anything. We can’t worry ourselves into salvation. Only our relationship with our Savior can do that.
Gracious God, help us not to worry about things and worry more about each other. Help us to use Your gifts wisely and spread the Good News to all. Amen.
