Sunday, January 29, 2023
Today I want to follow up with a message of last Sunday with the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34 of which I will leave to you to read for yourself, except for verses 25 and 33. Verse 25: “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Verse 33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
These words from our Savior suggest a distraction, a preoccupation with things causing anxiety, stress, and pressure. So here Jesus speaks against worry and anxiety because of the watchful care of a heavenly Father who is ever mindful of our daily needs.
These words of Jesus teach us how to live in uncertain financial times without stress or fear. Financial fear is: 1) unreasonable (v. 25). We are not to become distracted from the substantial issue of life over less important matters like what we will eat or wear. It is 2) unnatural (v. 26) We are the only creation of God who worries. God provides for the birds He created, and we are more valuable than they are. We are outside God’s natural design when we worry. It is 3) unhelpful (v. 27) Worry and fear do not produce anything worthwhile. It is 4) unnecessary (v. 30) God provides for His own and promises to take care of our needs. It is 5) unbelieving (v. 31 & 32) We are acting as if God did not exist when we live in financial fear. Our heavenly father knows our needs, and He will provide.
He only wants us to follow His financial program as clearly laid out in Malachi 3:8-12. This says simply to us, if we are prudent and faithful with our finances when dealing with heaven, that the Lord God will be faithful to meet our every need.
You are loved, Pastor Don
Cornerstone Worship Center 