The word “therefore” is placed strategically throughout the Bible. It means “for that reason, that being the case”; tying what is to follow to the preceding thought. The Holy Spirit uses it to build a pathway of truth and faith – a means of renewing our minds. Keep this in mind as you read:
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? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Therefore do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:25-34
Because we cannot serve two masters – particularly God and treasures – we must stop worrying about our life. Once again, we have a saying of Jesus that we are to do by not doing. Once again, we are faced with a seemingly impossible task. Who can really stop worrying about their life?
Once again, we are reminded that our only hope is found is the abiding life of Jesus Christ; and in this case, His mind. Thank goodness, the mind of Christ is something we possess (1Corinthians 2:16). The challenge is appropriating – or syncing with – that mind. Jesus encourages us to do so in the following ways.
- Look around at what God has done.
- Consider your value to Him.
- Recognize the futility of worry.
- Deal with your lack of faith.
- Stop imitating the Gentiles.
- Trust in the Father’s omniscience.
- Get your priorities in order.
- Focus on today.
There are two ways to leverage this list for our transformation. First, consider these as steps in a process; each one a truth that will both set us free and activate faith to respond as Jesus commands. Beginning in your secret place, meditate on each one, inviting God to search your heart for the doubt, fear and self-reign that has conformed you to the world. Confess (agree with) and repent (change your mind). God is faithful and just to forgive your sin and deliver you from all unrighteousness.
As faith and courage come into your heart, ask God to give you the opportunity to exercise your newfound faith and courage. Ask Him for an experience of the mind of Christ in a particular way, that very day. You will experience the Holy Spirit’s transformative power; as you prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).
Second (and this may occur in the process above), allow the Holy Spirit to focus your attention on a step with which you have a particular difficulty. Very often, our greatest struggles become God most glorious victories. Work it out, trusting that He is working in you to will and do to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13); knowing that His pleasure is to give you His kingdom (Luke 12:32) – the very thing you are seeking.
Working it out will include searching out the matter in the Scriptures. The truth you find will make you free. You will also want to seek counsel from those that the Lord is using to make you His disciple. This is God’s way for our maturation. Regularly reckon the truths you discover as truth for you. Lay hold of them, and put them into practice.
Conclusion
Jesus spent quite a bit of His Sermon on the Mount speaking to the matter of our treasure. He knew that His church would struggle with this issue; and it has never been more evident than today in the American church (and the countries we have influenced). We have surrendered the desire of God for the American Dream. We have allowed ourselves to be conformed to the world.
Battles are not won in skirmishes fought at the enemy’s periphery. They are won through bold attacks at the heart of the stronghold. What the church needs now – more than ever – are warriors like David’s Mighty Men. The Lord has strategically placed such men and women in leadership positions in the workplace (and that includes the organized church).
Please join me in prayer for these mighty men, women and children of God; that they would discover the desires of God in their hearts, and boldly embrace their assignments. While you are at it, pray for the word of God to find its way into the hearts and minds of His children in the workplace; that it would not return void.
Humbly yours and forever His,
