The Wrong Focus

Reference: Luke 12:29-31 "And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need."

Observation: We are cautioned to not allow our focus to be on things of this world. We can do that either by trying to accumulate and consume more and more, or, to be consumed by worry that we will not have enough. They are both forms of materialism.

Jesus reminds us not to worry; to not let anxiety control us. He makes it clear that this is a "God-less" mindset. It is those who don’t believe in God who have reason to worry, we don’t so we shouldn’t. Jesus points out that God is not unaware of your needs.

If we are not supposed to worry or focus on the things of this world, what are we supposed to do? We are to attend to God’s work as first priority, caring for people, proclaiming the Good News about Jesus, and God will make sure we are taken care of.

Application/Confession: I worry. Not when things are going well, but at the first sign of trouble. If the offerings are down for a week or two at church or an unexpected bill shows up, I get anxious. I need to keep my focus on God’s purposes and learn better how to live in faith.