We all worry. We all know we shouldn't worry, but in the moment it's tough to shake ourselves out of our pit of despair. Jesus not only commands us to not worry but in Luke 12 he gives us reasons to help us stop worry dead in it's tracks in our lives.
Jesus provides ample reasons to not worry as he reassures us of the Father's benevolent and intimate care for us. Our best safeguard against worry is a life redirected toward God's Kingdom rather than one focused on self and stuff.
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:22–34, NIV)
Jesus calls us to avoid the weak and cowardly hypocrisy of insincere religion. Rather we are to be real and fearless. With Him, with His Spirit, we are more than able. Jesus provides three great reasons for our fearless authenticity: 1. You're Worst Case Scenario is Heavenly 2. To God, You Have Great Worth 3. The Holy Spirit Lives in You!
Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”” (Luke 12:1–12, NIV)
A Christmas Carol is a classic morality tale of repentance by Dickens. The Bible provides the great insight into how one is able to come to repentance and conversion through the work a Spirit — The Holy Spirit.
Jesus calls out hypocrisy in the religious crowd surrounding him by issuing five woes (plus a bonus woe). So,woe!, you just may be a hypocrite if:
- You make molehills into mountains
- You are narcissistic
- You hide sin
- You make religion a burden on others
- It's for show