Worry Versus Concern

Think with me about the distinction between sinful worry and proper concern.  We touched on this a few weeks ago.  Jesus says, “There­fore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life,… do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’” (Matt. 6:25, 31).  Jesus pointed to the carefree birds and beautiful flowers to illustrate the point:  God provides for them, so surely he’ll take care of you.  Fret not!

The trouble with worry (or one problem, anyway) is that it diverts our focus from what matters most—namely, God’s kingly reign:  Seek first his kingdom (6:33).  Another problem with worry is that it displaces prayer—after all, worry involves putting onto our own shoulders a weight that only the Lord should and can bear.  Paul teaches believers, in essence:  Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything (Phil. 4:6).

So, worry is ruled out.  But concern is vital:  Once we remove the log from our own eye, we care enough to help a fellow believer with the “speck” in his eye (Matt. 7:5).  We give good gifts to our children (7:11) because we’re concerned for them.  And in 1 Peter 5:7-8, right after we’re taught to “cast all our anxieties” on a God who cares for us, we’re commanded to be “sober-minded” and “watchful” because “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

So, don’t worry—don’t play God and try to orchestrate every possible future scenario to turn out “just so” and drive yourself crazy in the process.  But do take care; do be care-full.  Be alert to spiritual threats that would bring harm to others or to you.  Loving neighbors necessarily means being concerned for their well-being—concerned enough to take action, and speak up.

We can’t be “salt” and “light” in this world (Matt. 5:13-16) if we have no concern for what others truly need.  Jesus commissions us to love and serve others, but from a heart that trusts in God.