Wow! I had no idea what I would discover when I embarked on a study of coveting. In fact, I think I am more confused about the idea than when I first started. Therefore, I am not even going to begin to unravel the confusion. But what I will share is why we don't need to worry. I have read these before, but it is always good to read them again.
First, from Matthew 6, verses 25-33 is Jesus speaking. He says, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food or 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? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don't worry about these things, saying 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everthing you need."
This passage is repeated almost word for word in Luke. It must be pretty important for us to remember if God included it twice. But then Jesus expands on this idea a little more. Luke 12:16-21 Then He told them a story: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, 'What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.' Then he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I'll sit back and say to myself, "My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!" "But God said to him 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?' "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."
That is all I can share today. I am going to continue to investigate this topic, and pray that God will unravel it for me and teach me what it is I need to learn.
3 comments:
I was just reading that verse this morning. God is so good to teach us through his word. We don't have to understand everything, just choose to trust what he says and choose to believe.
I read the worry verse ALOT. Again and again and again, because I need it. You are right, it must be an important one if it's included twice. I think worry is such a common thing that we all sort of joke about it and then let it slide, but I don't want to do that, I want to remember that trusting in God means not worrying...just trusting and knowing God is going to be there the whole way through.Thank you for posting about this. Your blog is so thoughtful and inspirational.
My great grandmother always said, "If you're going to pray why worry and if you're going to worry why pray." I've been doing too much worrying lately. Thanks for the reminder.
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