Don't Worry Is Easier Said Than Done

8.7.22 Luke 12:22–34

22 Jesus said to his disciples, “For that reason I tell you, stop worrying about your life, about what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Certainly life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap; they have no warehouse or barn; and yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! 25 And who of you by worrying can add a single moment to his lifespan? 26 Since you are not able to do this little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. But I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was dressed like one of these. 28 If this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will he clothe you, you of little faith? 29 Do not constantly chase after what you will eat or what you will drink. Do not be worried about it. 30 To be sure, the nations of the world chase after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, continue to seek the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you. 32 Do not be afraid, little flock, because your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the needy. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not become old, a treasure in the heavens that will not fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Don’t Worry is Easier Said than Done

When I was first in the ministry I was trying to minister to a woman who was very prone to worrying. She was a timid and shy gal in her middle ages. Her husband was a fun but kind of gruff guy. He would just tell her, “Stop sinning!” It didn’t work. Bob Newhart did a gig on Saturday Night Live years ago where he tried the same approach to people he counseled. He would just yell at them and say, “Knock it off!” It didn’t work either. It would be nice if it were that easy.

We tend to worry a lot in our society, because there are plenty of fear mongers out there, especially when it comes to politics. Some of our friends were recently right outside the cinema here in Bay City when there was some gun fire between two cars. There are reasons to at least be concerned. It’s especially hard to stop worrying when you’ve done it for so long. Maybe you went through a traumatic event as a child and you just can’t shake fear. The smallest thing can trigger you.

So how do we stop? At first glance, it would appear that Jesus tries the same approach as Bob Newhart when it comes to worrying. He just tells us to “Stop worrying!” But this is different. Let’s see how.

There are two things that Jesus talks about worrying about. Food and clothing. They are the basic staples of life, protection in the clothing and sustenance in the food. Paul asked for a coat to keep him warm while in prison. We have had plenty of both, but with the rise in gas prices and food prices, more of us might be tending to worry a little bit more about making ends meet from month to month.

You might also look at the word “worry” can also mean to “strive after in an anxious way.” Even when we have plenty, it is easy to be consumed with MORE. Think of people obsessed with fashion, constantly worrying about what they’re going to wear and how it fits on them, whether it fits in with the crowd. You might also be a slave to taste, willing to spend plenty and drive miles to go to the most highly recommended restaurant. You worry about the wait time or whether you’ll get in. Your life might revolve around food and clothing, a different kind of worry, but worry nonetheless.

Why not worry about them? First of all, it doesn’t do any good. It doesn’t add a single minute to your life. If anything, it takes away your health. Secondly, Jesus reminds us of a simple fact. Certainly life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Think about the well dressed. Some of the worst dates can sometimes be those who know how to dress well but can’t carry a conversation at all. Maybe they are also rather vain. Their clothing does nothing for them beyond shallow aesthetics.