CHARACTER BUILDING

"We can't really know the depth of our own character until we see how we react under pressure. It is easy to be kind when everything is going well, but can we still be kind when others are treating us unfairly? Instead of complaining about our struggles, we should see them as opportunities for growth. Thank God for promising to be with you in rough times. Ask Him to solve your problems or give you the strength to endure them. Then be patient. God will not leave you alone with your problems; He will stay close by and help you grow through them." Alistair Begg

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT - Matthew 6:25-34

Someone stated that worry is the advance interest you pay on troubles that seldom come. It springs from the desire that things should happen as we wish rather than as God wills. Pressure to succeed is today's biggest contributing factor to anxiety and worry. Worry not only affects us mentally but also physically. It affects circulation, the heart, the glands and our whole nervous system. It also affects us spiritually by robbing us of peace and trust in God's leading and plan for our lives. The Anglo-Saxon word for worry means "to strangle or chock." It also means "to divide the mind; to be drawn in different directions."

What does Jesus say about living worry free? Obviously, it was a high priority in His agenda for happy, victorious and productive living. So six times in these verses he commands us:
"do not worry about your life." He explains that the cause of worry stems from a wrong emphasis on materialism. If we get out of focus spiritually we become slaves to money or the things that money buys. When money rules, we becomes greedy, selfish, covetous and self-indulgent. Our Western cultures is obsessed with body shape, nutrition, vacations, cars, clothes, homes and an endless accumulation of toys and gadgets. Jesus stated emphatically, "no one can serve two masters."

Kingdom servants have a Master that promises to supply all our needs. So He moves from one command ("do not worry") to another command ("seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness"). If we transfer our focus from the earthly kingdom ruled by Satan to the heavenly Kingdom ruled by Christ, He promises "all these things" (what you are going to eat, drink, or wear)"will be given to you as well." While dealing with this same issue, Paul concludes in Phil.4:7, "the peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus." God's prescription sure beats the Enemies, wouldn't you say? So then, lets put it into practice and begin living it. That is what I want to do! Don't you?