“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. ‘Expel the wicked man from among you.’" (I Corinthians 5:12-13 NIV)
One of the least popular and acceptable things to do in our culture is to confront someone about a behavior. Yet, one of the most popular and acceptable things to do is to talk to others about someone else’s behavior. Recently, my wife recounted a day at her job where someone was playing a CD very loudly. Workers began expressing their displeasure in hushed tones to each other, but no one said anything to the person responsible for the music. Finally, my wife walked over to the person and kindly asked him to turn the volume down because others thought it too loud. He said, “Sure.” End of dispute.
We make judgments about people and situations all the time. And that, in and of itself, is not always bad. We tend to believe all judging is wrong because Jesus said not to judge others. (Matthew 7:1) Of course, when interpreting the Bible, context matters. And what Jesus said right after that enlightens us about what He meant: “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” So, then, it’s the way we judge that is key. And this explains how Paul can expect the Corinthian believers to judge a particular man in their community. For he was not asking them to condemn him, but to discipline him because of sinful behavior—sleeping with his stepmother. He was telling them to speak truth to the man.
The Corinthians were likely doing what most of us do, they were talking with each other about this man, but nobody was confronting him. Nobody had the courage to tell him directly, “This is wrong and you need to repent.” Recently, I had a conversation with someone where this had been playing out. Things were going on that were wrong and others were talking about it, just not to that person. I entered the situation and spoke truth—you need to stop what you are doing because it’s sin.
When we confront people this way, it is to be out of love that we do it. We don’t do it to feel superior or for the enjoyment of the drama. We do it because we love God (He hates sin) and because we want what’s best for the other person. Nothing good is accomplished when we talk to others and not to the person directly.
Today, if you know someone close to you who is caught in sin, rather than talking with others about it, have the love and the courage to go to them directly. Speaking truth in love is one of the kindest things you can do for a person.
© Jim Musser 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Being Intentional
“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.” (Romans 7:5-8 NIV)
Being successful requires living with intentionality. Even the most talented athlete has to work at his sport to be successful. In order to graduate, students have to discipline themselves to go to class, complete projects, and pass exams. Careers are built with effort. Few of us can gain much without really trying.
Being successful in spiritual growth and maturity is no different. It requires effort and discipline. Paul tells us that in order to live the way God wants us to live we must have our minds set on what He desires. There is a sense of focus and intentionality. Our minds naturally go toward our human desires. Without any effort in the other direction, our thoughts go toward lust, greed, envy, fear, hate, selfishness, etc. If there is to be a change, we must intentionally set our minds in a different direction. It is a lifelong struggle about which Paul writes later in this chapter. It is the struggle to break the hold of our sinful nature on our lives.
So how do we accomplish this? First, we must recognize we cannot do this alone; we need the Lord’s help. So we acknowledge the difficulty of the battle and ask for His help. Secondly, we begin to shift what we are putting into our minds and filter what does come in through the truths of God’s Word. Thirdly, when we are unable to prevent ungodly thoughts from entering our minds, we follow Paul’s instructions (II Corinthians 10:5) and take them captive and give them over to the Lord.
Is this a lot of work? With apologies to Sarah Palin, you bettcha! If you think following Jesus requires little or no effort, you are badly mistaken. We face an enemy that seeks to destroy us. When we change sides, do not think he will merely give up and let us go. He will pursue us and harass us. We will have to fight him.
Today, recognize if you want to grow and be successful spiritually, you are going to have to be intentional about it and work at it. The Lord will help you, but you first have to set your mind to it.
© Jim Musser 2009
Being successful requires living with intentionality. Even the most talented athlete has to work at his sport to be successful. In order to graduate, students have to discipline themselves to go to class, complete projects, and pass exams. Careers are built with effort. Few of us can gain much without really trying.
Being successful in spiritual growth and maturity is no different. It requires effort and discipline. Paul tells us that in order to live the way God wants us to live we must have our minds set on what He desires. There is a sense of focus and intentionality. Our minds naturally go toward our human desires. Without any effort in the other direction, our thoughts go toward lust, greed, envy, fear, hate, selfishness, etc. If there is to be a change, we must intentionally set our minds in a different direction. It is a lifelong struggle about which Paul writes later in this chapter. It is the struggle to break the hold of our sinful nature on our lives.
So how do we accomplish this? First, we must recognize we cannot do this alone; we need the Lord’s help. So we acknowledge the difficulty of the battle and ask for His help. Secondly, we begin to shift what we are putting into our minds and filter what does come in through the truths of God’s Word. Thirdly, when we are unable to prevent ungodly thoughts from entering our minds, we follow Paul’s instructions (II Corinthians 10:5) and take them captive and give them over to the Lord.
Is this a lot of work? With apologies to Sarah Palin, you bettcha! If you think following Jesus requires little or no effort, you are badly mistaken. We face an enemy that seeks to destroy us. When we change sides, do not think he will merely give up and let us go. He will pursue us and harass us. We will have to fight him.
Today, recognize if you want to grow and be successful spiritually, you are going to have to be intentional about it and work at it. The Lord will help you, but you first have to set your mind to it.
© Jim Musser 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Power of Forgiveness
“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.’ The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’” (Luke 23:32-37 NIV)
They came with a love for the Auca Indians of Ecuador. Five young men, just out of college. It was 1956. Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Roger Youderian. Within days of their first contact with the Aucas, they were dead. Speared to death by the ones to whom they had come to share the Gospel. They left wives, children, and a seed of love that would blossom into a miracle work of the Holy Spirit.
Powered by love and forgiveness, Elisabeth Elliot (widow of Jim) remained in Ecuador to continue the work her husband and the other men came to start. One of the men who was part of the killing party, Mincaye, came to know Christ. Ten years later, as many Aucas were coming to know Jesus, Nate Saint’s sister, Rachel, a linguist, came to live among the Aucas and began translating the New Testament into their own language. Shortly after Rachel’s death in 1994, the Auca Christians asked Nate’s son, Steve, to come live among them. Now, over 50 years after they killed the missionaries, the Auca Christians are reaching out to their fellow tribesmen in true missionary fashion—they are learning dentistry.
Mincaye thought of the idea because many of his fellow tribesmen have severe dental problems. Missionaries had come for decades to help, but it occurred to him that it would be even better if they could do it themselves. And so they asked Steve Saint to teach them. The thread that runs through this amazing story is forgiveness motivated by love. Steve Saint said this about Mincaye, “When I was a little boy and my dad flew off and was killed," I thought, ‘How can life ever be good again?’ But God gave me the man who killed my father to be like a father to me and a grandfather to my children."
Jesus could have called down a legion of angels to rescue Him and destroy those crucifying Him, but He didn’t. The five missionaries could have fought back (they had guns), but they followed Jesus’ lead and didn’t. Instead, they willingly laid down their lives. The widows and orphans of these men could have become bitter towards the killers of their loved ones, but they didn’t. Instead, they forgave as they had been forgiven, and reached out in love to them. The result? The power of the Gospel transformed not only the lives of the killers, but their whole tribe.
Forgiveness is at the heart of the Gospel. The path Jesus took is the one to which He calls all His followers to take. The story of the Auca Indians is a reminder that when Christians indeed follow the Lord’s path of love and forgiveness, powerful transformation can happen in the lives of those who experience it.
Today, consider how much your attitude towards others who hurt you reflects that of Jesus. Remember, you have been forgiven. Will you extend the same grace to them?
© Jim Musser 2009
They came with a love for the Auca Indians of Ecuador. Five young men, just out of college. It was 1956. Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Roger Youderian. Within days of their first contact with the Aucas, they were dead. Speared to death by the ones to whom they had come to share the Gospel. They left wives, children, and a seed of love that would blossom into a miracle work of the Holy Spirit.
Powered by love and forgiveness, Elisabeth Elliot (widow of Jim) remained in Ecuador to continue the work her husband and the other men came to start. One of the men who was part of the killing party, Mincaye, came to know Christ. Ten years later, as many Aucas were coming to know Jesus, Nate Saint’s sister, Rachel, a linguist, came to live among the Aucas and began translating the New Testament into their own language. Shortly after Rachel’s death in 1994, the Auca Christians asked Nate’s son, Steve, to come live among them. Now, over 50 years after they killed the missionaries, the Auca Christians are reaching out to their fellow tribesmen in true missionary fashion—they are learning dentistry.
Mincaye thought of the idea because many of his fellow tribesmen have severe dental problems. Missionaries had come for decades to help, but it occurred to him that it would be even better if they could do it themselves. And so they asked Steve Saint to teach them. The thread that runs through this amazing story is forgiveness motivated by love. Steve Saint said this about Mincaye, “When I was a little boy and my dad flew off and was killed," I thought, ‘How can life ever be good again?’ But God gave me the man who killed my father to be like a father to me and a grandfather to my children."
Jesus could have called down a legion of angels to rescue Him and destroy those crucifying Him, but He didn’t. The five missionaries could have fought back (they had guns), but they followed Jesus’ lead and didn’t. Instead, they willingly laid down their lives. The widows and orphans of these men could have become bitter towards the killers of their loved ones, but they didn’t. Instead, they forgave as they had been forgiven, and reached out in love to them. The result? The power of the Gospel transformed not only the lives of the killers, but their whole tribe.
Forgiveness is at the heart of the Gospel. The path Jesus took is the one to which He calls all His followers to take. The story of the Auca Indians is a reminder that when Christians indeed follow the Lord’s path of love and forgiveness, powerful transformation can happen in the lives of those who experience it.
Today, consider how much your attitude towards others who hurt you reflects that of Jesus. Remember, you have been forgiven. Will you extend the same grace to them?
© Jim Musser 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Grind of Life
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV)
There is a lot of weariness on campus these days. The answer to “Are you ready for Thanksgiving Break?” is always a resounding “Yes!” A life of classes, papers, and tests wears students down over the course of a semester. It is a lesson for life in general.
Post-college life can also wear us down. There are the eight, ten, or 12-hour workdays and no three-month long summer breaks. There are the stresses of finances in tough economic times. There are the sleepless nights with sick children and the stress that comes with raising them into adulthood. Add to that any number of possible crises that may arise along the way and even a good life can wear on us.
Weariness is something we will often have to deal with throughout our lives. And the Hebrew writer has a simple solution in how to cope—look to Jesus. Don’t try to handle it yourself; fix your eyes on Jesus. Look to Him for encouragement and strength.
The context of the writer’s directive is persecution. Followers of Jesus were suffering in many ways for their faith. The writer knew the difficulty of their struggle and knew they were weary. While you may not be suffering persecution for you your faith, his principle still applies. The grind of life can best be handled by focusing on Jesus.
It is always easy when we are tired to focus on our immediate circumstances. Problems become bigger and bigger as we grow more weary. They can seem overwhelming. That is why we need to take our eyes off our struggles and fix them on Jesus. He proved He could handle any struggle and has promised to overcome ours (John 16:33).
Are you weary of the grind of life? Then know Jesus is there to strengthen and encourage you. All you have to do is fix your eyes on Him.
© Jim Musser 2009
There is a lot of weariness on campus these days. The answer to “Are you ready for Thanksgiving Break?” is always a resounding “Yes!” A life of classes, papers, and tests wears students down over the course of a semester. It is a lesson for life in general.
Post-college life can also wear us down. There are the eight, ten, or 12-hour workdays and no three-month long summer breaks. There are the stresses of finances in tough economic times. There are the sleepless nights with sick children and the stress that comes with raising them into adulthood. Add to that any number of possible crises that may arise along the way and even a good life can wear on us.
Weariness is something we will often have to deal with throughout our lives. And the Hebrew writer has a simple solution in how to cope—look to Jesus. Don’t try to handle it yourself; fix your eyes on Jesus. Look to Him for encouragement and strength.
The context of the writer’s directive is persecution. Followers of Jesus were suffering in many ways for their faith. The writer knew the difficulty of their struggle and knew they were weary. While you may not be suffering persecution for you your faith, his principle still applies. The grind of life can best be handled by focusing on Jesus.
It is always easy when we are tired to focus on our immediate circumstances. Problems become bigger and bigger as we grow more weary. They can seem overwhelming. That is why we need to take our eyes off our struggles and fix them on Jesus. He proved He could handle any struggle and has promised to overcome ours (John 16:33).
Are you weary of the grind of life? Then know Jesus is there to strengthen and encourage you. All you have to do is fix your eyes on Him.
© Jim Musser 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Living by Faith
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:18-21 NIV)
The Apostle Paul says elsewhere (II Corinthians 5:7) that we live by faith, not by sight. This is what Abraham did and God rewarded him for it. But what exactly does it mean to live by faith? Paul answers the question, saying Abraham was “fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised.”
As I read this passage last week, those words struck my heart. While being in campus ministry is deeply satisfying, it has never been financially lucrative. I don’t remember too many times where money has not been tight. Yet, the Lord has always provided for my needs. Over the past month, due to some unexpected circumstances, I have been looking at a budget that consists of far more red than black. I became filled with anxiety. I began to pray, but the anxiety would quickly return. Last week, however, while reading Romans, this passage jumped out at me and it was clear the Lord was speaking. Was I fully persuaded that God had the power to provide for our financial needs? In my mind I was, but my heart was wavering. I wanted to see some proof, like a check in the mail or an e-mail from someone saying they were going to join our support team. I was living by sight.
Living by faith is a continual test. Are we fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He has promised and will in fact do it? He promises us a full and abundant life (John 10:10). Do we truly believe He will give us that when life becomes hard? He has promised to forgive us when, having rebelled against His will, we confess our sin and turn back to Him (I John 1:9). Are we fully convinced that He has forgiven us? He promises to provide for our daily needs (Matthew 6:32-33). Are we fully persuaded He will do that?
Abraham was told when he was nearly 100 years old and his wife’s womb was barren that he would have children and become the father of a nation. He demonstrated his faith in God by fully believing He could deliver on what He promised. He lived not by what he saw, but by faith that God could and would fulfill His promises.
The Lord reminded me last week that He is trustworthy, that He will fulfill His promise to me to provide for my needs. I exchanged sight for faith. How about you? Are you willing, like Abraham, to trust in the Lord to deliver on what He has promised you?
© Jim Musser 2009
The Apostle Paul says elsewhere (II Corinthians 5:7) that we live by faith, not by sight. This is what Abraham did and God rewarded him for it. But what exactly does it mean to live by faith? Paul answers the question, saying Abraham was “fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised.”
As I read this passage last week, those words struck my heart. While being in campus ministry is deeply satisfying, it has never been financially lucrative. I don’t remember too many times where money has not been tight. Yet, the Lord has always provided for my needs. Over the past month, due to some unexpected circumstances, I have been looking at a budget that consists of far more red than black. I became filled with anxiety. I began to pray, but the anxiety would quickly return. Last week, however, while reading Romans, this passage jumped out at me and it was clear the Lord was speaking. Was I fully persuaded that God had the power to provide for our financial needs? In my mind I was, but my heart was wavering. I wanted to see some proof, like a check in the mail or an e-mail from someone saying they were going to join our support team. I was living by sight.
Living by faith is a continual test. Are we fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He has promised and will in fact do it? He promises us a full and abundant life (John 10:10). Do we truly believe He will give us that when life becomes hard? He has promised to forgive us when, having rebelled against His will, we confess our sin and turn back to Him (I John 1:9). Are we fully convinced that He has forgiven us? He promises to provide for our daily needs (Matthew 6:32-33). Are we fully persuaded He will do that?
Abraham was told when he was nearly 100 years old and his wife’s womb was barren that he would have children and become the father of a nation. He demonstrated his faith in God by fully believing He could deliver on what He promised. He lived not by what he saw, but by faith that God could and would fulfill His promises.
The Lord reminded me last week that He is trustworthy, that He will fulfill His promise to me to provide for my needs. I exchanged sight for faith. How about you? Are you willing, like Abraham, to trust in the Lord to deliver on what He has promised you?
© Jim Musser 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Passing the Test
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.” (II Corinthians 13:5-6 NIV)
In conversation with a student this week, we talked about the intense competitiveness of guys and how in a recent intramural game, students nearly came to blows. It got me to thinking about tests, not necessarily the most pleasant of topics for students at this time of the year!
In my younger days, I was very competitive and hated to lose or to perform badly. I threw tennis rackets, slammed my hand down on ball returns, and murmured expletives to myself when I missed jump shots. Then I made the decision to follow Jesus and every time I picked up a ball or a racket, the test began. Did Jesus really make any difference in my life?
At first, I was unaware of the test. I acknowledged I was a Christian, started going to a campus ministry, and lived my life the best that I could. But I was really not much different on the field of competition. My awareness, however, was awakened during a particular intramural softball game. One of my teammates made an inexplicable error and I began yelling at him. Another teammate, who happened to also be my roommate, came over and firmly told me I was out of line and to shut up. I immediately realized I had taken the test and failed.
My roommate and most of my teammates were not Christians. They knew of my conversion earlier in the school year. They had heard my proclamations and seen me with my Bible going to church and to Bible study. Now they observed me in a more real-life environment, and, truthfully, not much had changed.
The test comes when we find ourselves in the situations of everyday life that are common. It is easy for us to act “Christian” when we are in church or Bible study, but how do we act when we are living day to day in the world? Does Jesus really make any difference or do we still act the same as we did before we came to know Him?
That day on the softball field helped awaken me to my need to rely on Jesus, to plead with Him, daily to change me from the inside out. I realized if I were going to pass the test, I needed all the help I could get.
Today, recognize that your everyday life is a test and others around you are observing how well you do. In order to pass, you will need all the help you can get from Jesus. He is willing to give it. All you have to do is ask.
© Jim Musser 2009
In conversation with a student this week, we talked about the intense competitiveness of guys and how in a recent intramural game, students nearly came to blows. It got me to thinking about tests, not necessarily the most pleasant of topics for students at this time of the year!
In my younger days, I was very competitive and hated to lose or to perform badly. I threw tennis rackets, slammed my hand down on ball returns, and murmured expletives to myself when I missed jump shots. Then I made the decision to follow Jesus and every time I picked up a ball or a racket, the test began. Did Jesus really make any difference in my life?
At first, I was unaware of the test. I acknowledged I was a Christian, started going to a campus ministry, and lived my life the best that I could. But I was really not much different on the field of competition. My awareness, however, was awakened during a particular intramural softball game. One of my teammates made an inexplicable error and I began yelling at him. Another teammate, who happened to also be my roommate, came over and firmly told me I was out of line and to shut up. I immediately realized I had taken the test and failed.
My roommate and most of my teammates were not Christians. They knew of my conversion earlier in the school year. They had heard my proclamations and seen me with my Bible going to church and to Bible study. Now they observed me in a more real-life environment, and, truthfully, not much had changed.
The test comes when we find ourselves in the situations of everyday life that are common. It is easy for us to act “Christian” when we are in church or Bible study, but how do we act when we are living day to day in the world? Does Jesus really make any difference or do we still act the same as we did before we came to know Him?
That day on the softball field helped awaken me to my need to rely on Jesus, to plead with Him, daily to change me from the inside out. I realized if I were going to pass the test, I needed all the help I could get.
Today, recognize that your everyday life is a test and others around you are observing how well you do. In order to pass, you will need all the help you can get from Jesus. He is willing to give it. All you have to do is ask.
© Jim Musser 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Cost of Worrying
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that 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, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:24-34 NIV)
Worry is one of the most natural activities we engage in. To most of us, it comes very easily. Of course, Jesus commands us not to worry, which really complicates things. It makes it a sin.
Have you ever considered worrying as wrong? For most of us, worrying is such a part of our make-up to some degree, that it just seems like a natural part of daily life. We worry about having enough money. We worry about all the work we have to do. We worry if we’ll ever find the right guy or girl. You name it, we can worry about it. So why is something so natural to us viewed by the Lord as wrong?
The answer can be found in the first verse of this passage where Jesus says we cannot serve more than one master. Worry is a form of slavery and whatever we worry about becomes our master. By worrying we give over control of our lives to that about which we worry. If we are a follower of Jesus, then He can be our only master. We are not to give our lives over to the control of anyone or anything else.
Worry, in essence, is about control. By worrying, we seize control from the Lord, but, as He points out, we really are not in control. Worry has no practical value. It only gives us the illusion of control. In reality, what takes control is the very thing we worry about. It takes control of our thoughts. It affects our sleep, our health, and our relationships. It leads us into bondage and is a hard taskmaster.
Today, allow the Lord to set you free from what has enslaved you. Give your worries over to Him. For He knows your needs and will continue to provide for you as He always has.
© Jim Musser 2009
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that 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, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:24-34 NIV)
Worry is one of the most natural activities we engage in. To most of us, it comes very easily. Of course, Jesus commands us not to worry, which really complicates things. It makes it a sin.
Have you ever considered worrying as wrong? For most of us, worrying is such a part of our make-up to some degree, that it just seems like a natural part of daily life. We worry about having enough money. We worry about all the work we have to do. We worry if we’ll ever find the right guy or girl. You name it, we can worry about it. So why is something so natural to us viewed by the Lord as wrong?
The answer can be found in the first verse of this passage where Jesus says we cannot serve more than one master. Worry is a form of slavery and whatever we worry about becomes our master. By worrying we give over control of our lives to that about which we worry. If we are a follower of Jesus, then He can be our only master. We are not to give our lives over to the control of anyone or anything else.
Worry, in essence, is about control. By worrying, we seize control from the Lord, but, as He points out, we really are not in control. Worry has no practical value. It only gives us the illusion of control. In reality, what takes control is the very thing we worry about. It takes control of our thoughts. It affects our sleep, our health, and our relationships. It leads us into bondage and is a hard taskmaster.
Today, allow the Lord to set you free from what has enslaved you. Give your worries over to Him. For He knows your needs and will continue to provide for you as He always has.
© Jim Musser 2009
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