One of the funniest routines of the Comedian, Steve Martin, was a routine in which he would say words to the effect of: “I try to make it a point, at least one time in every show, to do something that is impossible.” In our daily lives, it may seem, at times, that we are confronted with the functional equivalent of the impossible, particularly when trying to overcome anxiety.
At times, people may think Christ is asking the impossible when he says: “Take no thought for tomorrow…” (Matthew 6:34). And, when someone explains the original Greek word for the King James “thought” is “merimnasate”, meaning “anxious thought”, a person may still feel the impossible is being requested.
Many Christians unconsciously adhere to the paradigm, which projects a logic of wanting to trust in God only enough to get to the end of the current trial or difficulty. And at the end of the trial, the person may desire to “take a break” and revert back to exclusive self-trust, an attitude that may have caused the trial to begin with.
Our bodies and minds have built-in balance systems. One of these balance systems involves the chemistry and mental processing of stress counter-balanced with relaxation and anxiety counter-balanced with peace. Stress and anxiety has the potential to punish the body with negative internal chemicals, tightening of muscles, irregular breathing, accelerated blood flow, paralysis, and even death. The modern world offers to us stress in an ever-increasing dosage through: interpersonal conflict, unpredictability, bureaucratic nonsense, and day-to-day aggravations. Some become so afflicted with panic attacks, they cannot leave their home.
Did Christ really mean that we should take no anxious thought for tomorrow? Yes. Do not take any anxious thought for your life, your food, your drinks, or your clothes (Matthew 6:25). It seems so impossible. But there is a key.
“But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Christ is not asking you to live like a monk. All these things (food, drinks, and clothing) can be added if you seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
Unfortunately, over 99 percent of the world’s population has no idea as to what the Kingdom of God is.
The kingdom of God is greater than most people have realized. The kingdom will come to this planet at the end time, with Christ ruling as absolute monarch (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). Even death will be destroyed (verse 26). Christ will take back this planet by force (Revelation 19:11-13) and his government on this earth (Revelation 5:10) will have no end (Isaiah 9:7 and Daniel 2:44). It will be so magnificent, eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the mind of man what God has prepared for those that love him and wait for him (Isaiah 64:4 and 1 Corinthians 2:9). This should be incentive enough to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And the next logical step is explicit trust in God (1 Timothy 6:17) in order to receive peace from Christ (John 14:27) through the comfort of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit exists as the presence (Psalms 51:11 and Psalms 139:7) and power (Acts 1:8) of God, which establishes a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7) and provides a motivating (moving) initiative to the human circuitry (2 Peter 1:21). It doesn’t push; it leads (Romans 8:14).
This peace that is available through Christ is not simply a peace that keeps the mind quiet or inactive but a peace that changes the quality of the mind and the direction of the thought patterns.
“But the comforter, [which is] the Holy Spirit…will teach you all things…” (John 14:26). The Greek word for comforter is “paracletos”, which means: “called to one’s side”. Through the Holy Spirit a human can be adapted for comfort.
“Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in me” (John 14:1). “Come unto me all of your that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and you will find rest to your souls. For my yoke [is] easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Wily Elder, CBA
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