Paul the apostle said "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4: 6, 7)
In this passage, Jesus focuses particularly on food and clothing and not to be anxious about those things. So the point is, from Scripture, we should not be anxious about anything, even our food and clothing!
Avoid two extremes: vv. 19-24 and vv. 25-34 — one obsesses over earthly things while the other worries about them. From vv. 19-34, Jesus is talking about how we approach the world. We might clearly see Jesus' point in vv. 19-24 but he also challenges us in vv. 25-34. Both deal with the fundamental way of dealing with the world as believers.
We should not be anxious…
1. Because your life is more than food and clothing (v. 25— Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?). God did not give us this life so that all that we do is worry about these things (food, clothing, money, accumulation, wealth, stuff, etc.). We were created to know God; to glorify Him and to enjoy Him forever.
2. Because you are more valuable than the animals (v. 26 — Are you not of more value than they?).
As the Creator, he cares for His creation. And yet, God is more than a creator to us, He is our heavenly Father!
3. Because your anxiety cannot add to your life (v. 27). Anxiety is fruitless, unproductive, and at times destructive — sleepless night, unhealthy outcome, etc. |
