Oftentimes, many Christians are overcome with worry because of placing too much importance on things that are of consequence, but really not that important. It was the same in Jesus’ day as in ours. The cure for such anxious care is the same today as it was then. Listen to Jesus. “And he said unto his disciples, Therefore, I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment” (Luke 12:22-23).
Food and clothing are pretty basic needs that rightly concern us all. Jesus was not saying that satisfying such needs does not merit consideration. Rather, he turned the disciples’ attention to greater, more important matters while reminding them of their heavenly Father’s promised provision. There is more to life than eating, drinking, and deciding what clothes we will wear.
The Lord went on to say, “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than fowls?” (Luke 12:24). God takes care of birds, and his children are far more important than birds. Jesus was not teaching that food magically appears in the pantry or clothing shows up in the closet. Though God provided for the birds, the birds nonetheless had to gather what was provided. And so must we work to enjoy God’s provision.
Jesus encouraged his disciples further, “Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven: how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?” (Luke 12:27-28). The emphasis here is on God’s care for things that are transient, or fleeting, compared to our lives, which are marked for eternity.
Our Lord urges again “ And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things” (Luke 12: 29-30; emphasis added). Our heavenly Father knows that we need these things. What father does not provide those things necessary for the health and welfare of his children. This is the secret to overcoming worry and anxious care. Trust the Father!
Resting our care in our heavenly Father allows us to follow after those things of greater importance. Herein lies the lesson in priorities and things of lesser importance. Jesus encouraged his disciples in a right pursuit, “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Luke 12:31). This life has its cares and duties. We are to give sufficient attention to them, trusting in our heavenly Father’s provision knowing that he cares for us. But our greater pursuit lies in things above, an unbroken fellowship with the God who created us.
From the Chaplain 