A Worried Christian?

We all have to admit that worry is a common temptation in life--for many, it is a favorite pastime. We worry about our children. We worry about our parents. We worry about our business. We worry about what other people will think, or what other people will do. Here in the Philippines, we often worry about our safety. But do you know that worry is a sin? It is neither insignificant, nor inconsequential. It is absolutely contrary to faith in Christ.

Jesus categorically prohibited worry in a familiar portion of the Sermon on the Mount--Matthew 6:25-34. Three times in that short passage He commanded, "Do not worry!", and the way He said it shows he truly understands us. In verse 25 He acknowledges worry as a common practice. However, to continue worrying about anything, or to start worrying in the first place, is to violate the Lord's command.

If you worry, what kind of faith do you manifest? "Little faith," according to Jesus (Matt. 6:30). Now if you are a child of God, by definition you have a Heavenly Father. To act like you don't--nervously asking, "What shall I eat? What shall I drink? With what shall I clothe myself?"--is to act like an unbeliever in God's eyes (vv. 31-32).

Think about it this way: Christians who worry believe God can redeem them, break the shackles of Satan, take them from hell to heaven, put them into His kingdom, and give them eternal life, but just don't think He can get them through the next couple of days. That is pretty ridiculous, isn't it?

Worry is devastating. When you worry you are saying in effect, "God, I just don't think I can trust You." Worry strikes a blow at the person and character of God. When you worry, you are also saying that you do not believe the Bible and God’s promises that it contains. When you worry, you are choosing to be mastered by your circumstances instead of by the truth of God. The trials of life pale in comparison to the greatness of salvation. Jesus wants you to realize it doesn't make sense to believe God can save you from eternal hell, but not help you in the practical matters of life.

When you catch yourself worrying, go back to Scripture. Study the Word of God to find out who He really is and how He has supplied the needs of His people in the past. That will build confidence for the future. Let God's track record in Scripture and in your own life assure you that worry is needless because of God's bounty, senseless because of God's promise.

Understand this: God gives you strength one day at a time. He gives you what you need when you need it. God is gracious. He is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever.

Adapted from: A Worried Christian? By John McArthur © 1993
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