The past few weeks, we’ve been talking about money in our ‘Money, Money, Money, Money, Money’ series.  The subject of money being on the table might have stirred up different things in your heart.  One of them might be worry if we are honest.

I want to remind you of something Jesus said…

Matthew 6, Jesus is in the midst of His sermon on the mount.  He is talking about all sorts of subjects including money.  He has just gotten done reminding the crowd that they can’t serve the two masters of God and money.  That they are called to serve, love and be devoted to God above all else.  He also calls them to store up their treasure in Heaven, and invest into God’s Kingdom work.  To not throw their money away on more and more stuff that eventually will be eaten by moths or rust.  Before that, He touches on how the people were called to give to the needy, and yet not announce their giving to the world out of some sort of false humility.

You can imagine that all of this teaching by Jesus created some internal tension among the people.  Because it went up against how they were currently handling money and possessions.  It grinded up against their current mode of operation.  He not only went after the how they giving, but the why, and to what, and their heart, and was really blowing up much of what they probably assumed as normal or status quo.

And so after all of this talk of money, he then talks about the subject of worry.  Because it is as if in His infinite wisdom, His ability to read the hearts of the people, He knew worry would often be a natural response.  He then says this after He reminds them that the birds and lilies of the field have nothing to worry about, Jesus gives one of the most beautiful and powerful promises in all of Scripture…

Matthew 6:33-34

³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Over the past several weeks, or even in the week ahead, God has or will challenge our approach to money.  And we are told in 2 Timothy 3:16, that God’s Word because it is breathed out by Him, that it is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training us.  So when we come face to face with what the Bible says about money, if we are open to it, will be taught, and corrected, and rebuked, and trained.  We will be encouraged by God’s Word to live differently.  To live in a way that honors and glorifies Him, including in the area of money.  And knowing that might cause worry or anxiety in you.  A fear of losing control, or not having it done your way, or having to change, or turn from this attitude or action.

In fact, you might find yourself in the same kind of mindset that many of those people on the hillside in Matthew 6 did.  And here is what Jesus did not say to them.

• You won’t have to change. 
• You won’t have to follow me in all areas…just the easy ones.
• Do whatever you feel is appropriate, and I will bless that.
• Just stay the same, and do what you’ve always done. 

He didn’t say any of those…instead, in response to more than likely the crowd’s growing anxiety, He said this…

Matthew 6:33-34

³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Put me first.  Seek my heart and my kingdom.  Elevate me as Lord in every area of your life.  Trust me, not yourself.  When you and I seek first His kingdom and righteousness.  When we truly trust Him with everything and not just somethings…here is this incredible encouragement…

 ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

So where there may be worry in your heart as it relates to money.  In place of worry, may we be reminded of the truth of who our God is, that our God keeps His promises, and that He is a good Father who cares for His children who honor and seek Him.  Our role is not to worry, but rather worship our great God.