These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Matthew 6:32
“We live in a society that teaches success as being rich and/or famous. If we talk to the average American, we might find that everyone is looking for “bigger, better, more.” There is a lack of satisfaction because there is a lack of God. This is an important element for us to consider because Jesus moves from this topic (the love of money) to the “cure for anxiety.”
From the context, Jesus sees the love of money as having more than an influence on issues of anxiety but being the root cause of it. Jesus, who created us, knows what makes us tick! He knows that if we put our ambitions, affections, and energy in the wrong direction, they will wreak havoc on us spiritually, emotionally, and physically!”
Kevin Horion in A Companion to the Sermon on the Mount (Mustang: Tate, 2012) 46.
It’s been a fantastic week at Camp Spofford.
People have come to grips with the fact that the love of money grips us with fear to keep us from living out the generous life God intends for each of us. It was not me that helped them grasp this though, it was the biblical text. Three times (cf. Matthew 6:25, 31, 34) Jesus reminds us “do not worry,” and three times he says that “everyone” who asks the Father for what they need will receive (cf. Matthew 7:7-11).
Father in heaven, forgive us for our lack of faith. Thank you for your loving care for us. Transport us from a place of havoc to hope rooted in the truth of the Scriptures by your Spirit, because without your help we will never be generous as our measure will constantly be limited by fear. I ask this with confidence in the name of Jesus. Amen.