Principles for Our Possessions - One Day at a Time

Our Sunday School lesson today had a great message. Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasurer is, there your heart will be also.

A new member of a Bible study group asked the leader, "How can anybody keep from worrying these days?" Good question. In a society full of poverty, disease, and starvation, Jesus' listeners asked the same question. Then, as now, we cannot stop feelings of worry and panic. However, we can decide to trust God and act according to His will so that the panic does not overwhelm us.

Jesus told us four things to do to feel secure and free from worry. First, don't trust the material world for security; earthly wealth will fail. It's like hanging heavy weights on thin string--the whole structure will come crashing down. Jesus tells us to store up the heavenly treasures of faith through a life of prayer, Bible study, and a close relationship with Him.

Second, avoid the worry habit. Money problems, a job loss, or a medical diagnosis of cancer can cause even the strongest person to panic. Usually, however, we worry about things that might happen, but then don't. Constant worry shows a pattern of distrust in God's ability to meet our needs.

Third, look at nature. As Jesus said, the God who takes care of the birds and the wildflowers will meet our every need. when worry and panic set in, we must remember God met our needs before. The God who cared for us then has not changed or gone away.

Finally, live one day at a time. Jesus said the Father would provide daily bread--resources to deal with each day's problems. When you drive at night, the car headlights illuminate only the portion of the road directly ahead of you. Likewise, for each day's troubles, God will provide the light you need.

Jesus does not mean that we are never to plan ahead. Just as you service your car regularly, some long-term preparations for the future are necessary--insurance and retirement savings, for example. But we must not let the future control the present. The life God gives us is one day at a time.