Journey's End

Matthew 6:25 (NLT)

“That is why I (Jesus) tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?

Jesus warns us about the pursuit of things.  We must not pursue accumulation.

Then, there are those who hunger for acceptance.  Those are driven by appearance. 

These are two difference strivings. The accumulation of things and acceptance by others. 

The pursuit of things robs us of our joy.  It creates anxiety. Jesus taught us to share our resources with others.  

Matthew 6:27  (NLT)

27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

1. Worry can't help you.   It hurts your health. It shortens your life. 

Matthew 6:26 (NLT)

26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?

2.  You are of immense value to God.  Can trust God with your worries? 

Matthew 6:31-32 (NLT)

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 

32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

3. God is a good heavenly Father, and He meets our needs. 

Worry is a declaration that God can't be trusted with our worries. 

The gods of the pagans required much, but provided nothing. 

Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Abandon your striving for things.  They won't make you happy. Quit striving for the approval of others. They will never fully accept you.   

Seek to be someone who lives out this teaching. Seek to be someone is seeks after God's kingdom.  Seek to be someone who yearns for God's heart.  If you do that, all these things will be added to you.  

When you are most filled with worry and fear, check how your story ends.  We know that all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.  (Romans 10:13)  

Will you call upon Jesus's name, and make Him Savior?  No one can earn your faith.  Only those who ask for it receive it. Do you know how your story ends?

Steve Gillen, Willowcreek Church