Matthew 6:19-34
Dear RTB’ers,
Wealth and anxiety. Two separate topics? Or two topics closely tied together…? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ (v. 31) It takes wealth (income) for us to buy our food and drink and clothing – and housing, possibly the most expensive today, but not mentioned by Jesus. And these basic necessities are a difficult purchase for millions of Americans – and an even greater problem for billions of people worldwide.
Money anxiety is a serious problem in the USA today. We see both spouses working just to meet the bills for life’s basic necessities. Then we see childcare so expensive that parents have a difficult time justifying both of them working. Then we have healthcare and healthcare insurance also expensive and increasingly so, a major issue in Congress today. And alongside all that we see pockets of enormous wealth. I remember a time when “millionaire” was a big term; today we talk of billionaires and their undue influence. I even saw an item recently that we have some individuals approaching trillionaire status. And people continue to go homeless and hungry.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth … but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven … For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. No one can serve two masters … You cannot serve God and money. (vv. 19-21, 24)
Blessings!
See also: February 7 (2021) / Matt. 6:16-34.
From Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of things we hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Or said another way, faith is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.
The scripture readings today had me re-thinking my faith (or lack thereof….?) in particular about worry. I think worry occurs due to a lack of faith. I don’t go around wringing my hands worrying about things, but from time to time lay awake at night wondering about the outcome of something that’s happening in the future —> like a doctor appointment. If I’m honest, it is a fear of the unknown and a lack of control of the outcome. It is at times difficult for me to give the outcome to God because there’s no evidence yet of things I cannot see. Or maybe there’s more than 1 possible outcome. At those moments, all I can do is pray to our Lord for a good outcome.
But then I see the outcome of that doctor visit, like a fully functioning elbow after I had torn it up. Here’s the evidence and assurance of God’s love and care for me.
Strong faith takes time, at least for me. But I’m trying and making progress and letting the lessons about faith and God’s care and love of me overshadow my insecurities and fears. The readings today were good reminders for me to keep working on my journey of faith.
You offer a really good application of today’s readings, Bruce. Well done! Neither John nor I in our past posts had gone off in a faith direction when looking at anxiety. But really, faith is the bottom line when it comes to anxiety!! Thanks!