#013 More than birds and lilies

Matthew 6:25-34

"Look at the birds of the air," said Jesus. "Consider the lilies of the field." Have you ever seen a bird worried about the stock market, or a lily wondering what clothes to wear? God takes care of them, despite the fact that they were not created in the image and likeness of God, like you and I are.



Do I mean we can live free of commitments like the birds and lilies? No. The comparisons stop there. Lilies and birds live only to eat, drink and multiply. And you, what do you live for?

Eating, drinking and having sex? You are worth more than that, more than sparrows and lilies, and I really do not think Jesus came to this world to die for birds and flowers, though they are God’s creatures. Jesus came to die for me and you.

Of course, you and I need to work to get enough to eat, drink and wear. Since the fall of Adam the whole earth and the creation became a pitiful ruin, and until God sets it right, we will have to earn our bread by the sweat of our brow.

Oh! Now you will say that I finally hit the nail on the head, that it is thanks to your own effort you can have what you have, meet your family’s needs and pay the phone bill. Really?

If God had made you to be born in the Namib Desert, you would not be what you are today, nor would you have everything you have. Therefore, you'd better begin to recognize that, although God is not always seen at center stage of your life, he works behind the scenes. After all, he owns the theater, he is the show's director and he also has the power to lower the curtain when it pleases him.

"This is unfair!" you say. "I want to direct my life, to decide who I am and what I will be, and it is me who should say when I have to leave the scene." All right, you want all this, but the job of “God” has already been filled. What's more, you're not an island, and your life ends up influencing the lives of many among the billion people on the planet.

Want an example? If that technician you don't even know did something stupid when assembling your cell phone, it may fail when you most need it. So get used to the idea that -- yes! -- we need a General Manager! Yes, we need God.

But the subject here is the concern for basic needs. If you have not yet trusted in Jesus to have yours guaranteed, begin with this: There is no more basic need than ensuring your eternal destiny, your future. And what a future!

Jesus tells you to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all other things you need will be added. What place does Jesus occupy on your priority list? Not number one? Well, in that case you'd better worry.

In the next 3 minutes you will learn what is important to judge.