Tag: Jesus

WP: 101 – Solving the World’s Problems, Pt. 1 – 3 credits

31 “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’
32 “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:31–34 (NASB95)

Worry about food, clothing and shelter. This is one of the few skills I am world-class at. Or was. Anyway I still struggle. My guess is, if Jesus addressed it, He must have felt it was widespread, if not universal.

What was His solution? “Seek His kingdom and His righteousness. . .” The King of the kingdom is Jesus. He is our Lord. His righteousness was given to us at the cross. He is our Savior. So, if we seek first – Jesus, as Savior and Lord – He promises something amazing: He will personally take responsibility for supplying our needs – “all these things will be added to you.”

When I trust Jesus my negative stress goes to zero. Challenges become positive stress. I am able to think clearly and plan and execute that plan. I am not a victim of my circumstances. And I have a Friend who goes with me to guide me and work behind-the-scenes to provide for me and mine.1

Confess your sins to Him. Turn from them and trust Him to save you. He will provide for you. And He will be your heavenly Dad, Brother, and Friend.

1 Yes, I still have to work; just as the bird has to work for the worm God provides.

Stupid?

2 Surely I am more stupid than any man,
And I do not have the understanding of a man.
3 Neither have I learned wisdom,
Nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.
Proverbs 30:2–3 (NASB95)

19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;
20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
James 1:19–20 (NASB95)

My perception of my helplessness produces fear of loss and my reaction to fear of loss is anger. And I feel that anger must be expressed NOW! I am wrong. But at the time I am wrong, I don’t know that I am wrong.

How can I stop this? I have made this mistake more than one time. Or, rather, more than one million times. “Surely I am more stupid than any man.” Proverbs 30:2 (NASB95)

I have asked my godly wife to warn me when I am not thinking right. And, with great courage, she does. But at the time “I am much smarter than she is” and I don’t listen. I have godly friends that I consider consulting. But I figure they too “don’t know as much as me and would just talk me out of ‘setting things straight.'”

What about reading the counsel of God (the Bible)? Aaurgh! I am cut to the heart. How can I argue with God? I am afraid of what He will tell me. Maybe, “for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” James 1:19–20 (NASB95) Aaurgh again! I am confronted with absolute truth, wisdom and love. My excuses fall to the floor and shatter.

I am left with a choice.

Obey God and not express sinful anger, but rather trust Jesus and humble myself and work productively through the situation. Or disobey God and reap the consequences of ignoring an all-wise God.

Most recently I chose the latter, and had to write an apology afterwards. But hopefully I will invest more time in reading Jesus’ Word (the Bible) and listening to Jesus in prayer and He will direct me to talk to my godly friends more and especially talk more with my godly wife.

As someone wise once said, “Being charged up with time with God – leaks.” I must spend more time reading the Bible and praying every single day and I will be prepared for the next attack of the enemy.

Honor

27 It is not good to eat much honey,
Nor is it glory to search out one’s own glory.
Proverbs 25:27 (NASB95)

I used to seek honor for myself; out of pride, motivated by insecurity. (But the honor I sought is not the honor that Jesus has). I wanted other people to tell me how great I was to drown out my “silently loud,” deep down, almost hidden from myself, constant fear that I am inadequate, I don’t measure up, I’m a failure. I am repulsed by people like me. I have an inherent aversion to those who are proud. My gut revulsion is because these people don’t recognize that I am the most important person there is, not them.

Jesus did not seek honor for himself, he sought honor for his Father. Jesus went to the cross so that “they would know that You sent me.” So why do I honor Jesus so much, as well? He valued my need for relationship with the Father, more than his own life. He didn’t take into account that I literally hated him and cursed him. That I hurt his people every day. And that I was inherently a rebel. He saw my need for Him and the Father and the Holy Spirit; and He willingly gave up His own life to meet that need. And He rose to give me His life. And I am now adopted; I am his child; and I am free to love.

Jesus wasn’t seeking honor, He was loving.

And I love and honor Him for that.