Formula for a Worry-Free Life

Worry can consume our lives as Christians. Instead of growing in the word, we become "choked with cares, riches and pleasures of life" (Luke 8:14). Jesus says those who're consumed with the worries of life fail to produce "fruit to maturity."

As humans, we tend to worry about everything in life. Can I get a better job? Will the tires on the car survive another year? Is my child going to pass high school exams?

Anxieties draw us in different directions at once. They distract us and unsettle our lives. Most importantly, worries often keep us away from God. At a time when we should be maturing, the worries of life drawn us away from God.

When I run into difficulties in life, I've learned to focus on the final outcome. As a Christian, that's heaven. A heavenly focus puts everything else in life in perspective.

This brings me to the thought for the week:

Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:31-34)

Jesus asked an important question at the beginning of this passage when He said, "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" Think about it. Worrying won't pay the bills, buy food and clothing or parent the children.

Jesus has a solution that releases us from this basic human emotion. He says, "Focus on Me and I'll give you a worry-free life."

His solution doesn't release us from our earthly responsibilities. You still have to work. The tires still loose tread. And your child may still fail to graduate.

Instead, it changes our perspective. Jesus is saying give body, spirit and mind to Him and He will provide for your needs (see Matthew 22:34-40 for the Greatest Commandment). When life becomes worry-free, He gives you time to focus on His Father's kingdom.

Throughoutthe scriptures, God gives us tools to deal with the cares of life when we seek His kingdom. We desire God's way when Jesus becomes first in our lives.

A few examples: Paul said that we are to be the best employees in the same way that we serve Christ (Ephesians 6:5-9). He also outlined God's plan for raising children. Children have a duty to obey their parents. Fathers are instructed to "bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:1-3).

Who will you serve today? Will it be God? Or will it be the cares and riches of this life? Remember that Jesus said that you can only serve one master (Matthew 6:24). Make Jesus your choice today.