And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:27 NAS)
Delivered during a Sunday church service, the following is a summary of a sermon on anxiety.
What Anxiety Does To Us
Excessive anxiety achieves nothing (Matthew 6:27-29), is harmful (Proverbs 12:25), and keeps our thoughts on the wrong things (Matthew 6:31-33).
Jesus said …
And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. (Matthew 6:27-29)
King Solomon said …
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad. (Proverbs 12:25)
How Should We Handle Anxiety?
Cast our anxieties to God (1 Peter 5:7).
Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:31-33)
Causes of Anxiety
One of the causes of anxiety that can affect our spiritual walk is anger. When we do not get what we want, we sometimes get frustrated. Our anger can result in hurt, for example, because of a broken promise. Our ego, upbringing, and past experiences can also contribute to our feeling hurt.
Is Anger Wrong?
Anger need not be wrong. The Bible mentioned a time when our Lord was angry with the Pharisees (Mark 3:5). In the Old Testament, God was mentioned as being angry with the children of Israel for their constant disobedience and rebellion (Jeremiah 32:30-32), yet He chose to send His Son to save them as well as us. We can be angry and yet not sin, and we ought not to let the sun go down on our anger (Ephesians 4:26).
Proposed Cure for Anxiety
Let God deal with those who cause us harm.
'Vengeance is Mine, and retribution, In due time their foot will slip; For the day of their calamity is near, And the impending things are hastening upon them.' (Deuteronomy 32:35)
Let God complete His work in us.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)
Learn to forgive.
Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. (Mark 11:25)
Draw near to God.
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
Come clean before God.
When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah. (Psalm 32:3-4)
Acknowledge and confess our sins.
I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah. (Psalm 32:5)
Shine for Jesus.
For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Walk with God.
For You have delivered my soul from death, Indeed my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of the living. (Psalm 56:13)
Dear Lord, help us to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to You. Grant us Your peace which surpasses all comprehension to guard our hearts and our minds in You. Help us not be easily angered or let the sun go down on our anger. Draw us near to You Lord as we acknowledge and confess our sins. We cast our anxieties to You Lord. Lead us as we walk with You, and shine through us Your light that dispel the darkness.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 NAS)
In an article ’10 New Ways to Protect Your Heart’ by Ron Donoho at MensHealth.com, the author wrote that cardiovascular problems cause nearly half of U.S. male deaths every year—a third of them by complete surprise. Fortunately, every year scientists also discover new ways to protect our hearts, from taking steps to avoid problems, to drugs and gadgets that can help those who already have heart disease. Dozens of studies over the past four decades have shown exercise is good for the heart, but the catch is we are only as strong as our last workout, according to a survey by Framingham Heart Study in Massachusetts.
"The benefits of exercise wear off quickly," says Scott Sherman, MD, of the UCLA school of medicine. Fortunately, the benefits of exercise also show up quickly, so if the only physical activity we ever have is moving pawn to knight six, we are not dead—yet. "The study shows that for sedentary patients, it's never too late to start being active," said Dr. Sherman.
Much like the need to take care of our physical heart, the Bible also cautioned us to guard our heart against turning aside to her ways and straying into her paths (Proverbs 7:25). We are also warned to watch over our heart with all diligence, for everything we do flow from it, and by it the course of our life will be determined (Proverbs 4:23). If we choose not to heed the warning, then we must be prepared for things not to go well with us (Deuteronomy 12:28; Proverbs 4:20-21).
Just as we need to take steps to avoid cardiovascular problems, we need also to take steps to keep our heart spiritually healthy by studying the word of God regularly. For like physical exercise which wears off quickly, so we need God’s word to renew our minds daily to keep up with our spiritual health. The benefit of such a daily communion with God through His word is the ability to keep our heart clean, so we may not sin against Him (Psalm 51:10; 119:11). As long as we are still alive, therefore, it is never too late for us to start getting active into the word of God.
Are we weak at heart, diseased by sin and the allure of this world? Are we walking steadfast in the Lord or are we turned aside and straying into wayward paths? If we have lost our way, let us come back to the Lord (2 Chronicles 7:14). Repent and confess our sins to Him, and He who is faithful and righteous will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). In everything, let us by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make our requests known to God, and His peace which surpasses all comprehension will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
Cleanse us dear Lord from all our sins and grant us Your peace which surpasses all comprehension to guard our hearts and our minds in You. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within us. Watch over our heart Lord and grant us diligence in taking steps to keep our heart free from diseases and attacks. Your word we have treasured in our heart O Lord that we may not sin against You. Keep us fit to do Your work Lord that in living healthy physically and spiritually, we may do well in You.
But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—and his interests are divided … But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. (1 Corinthians 7:33-34 NIV)
The affairs that concern many of us currently are not about who is going to be the next head of state, the trade deficit, or the drop in economic growth. Matters of such cultural, political and social events no doubt are of great importance, but not when some of us are still struggling to make ends meet. The domestic necessity for those with dependents to feed is the current affairs of the day. Yet there is something else of concern that far outweighs all current affairs.
According to a news article of May 27, 2012 at ChristianToday.com, more than 1 billion pornographic websites are one click away, and the average age of first-time viewers of pornography is 9 years old. About 80 percent of 15- to 17-year-olds have been exposed to hardcore porn, and the adult pornography industry reports that 20-30 percent of their traffic comes from children. More shockingly, half of all Christian families report that pornography is a problem, and 30 percent of pastors have viewed pornography in the last 30 days.
"The greatest threat to the cause of Christ is pervasive sexuality and pornography," said apologist and author Josh McDowell. The problem of pornography is big enough to cause the downfall of the church, he added.
"Today we have, by and large, lost control of the controls because an intrusive immorality is just one click away from our children. With just one keystroke on a smartphone, iPad, or laptop, a child can open up some of the worst pornography and sexually graphic content you can imagine. There's never been such access in history."
As parents and guardians, are we aware of what our children are doing behind our backs? Yes, the Bible says not to exasperate or embitter our children, but it also says to bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21). Keeping an eye on the ones under our care is of great importance, and although difficult, we must, for their eternity lie in our hands. If we spare the rod in guiding our children, we are harming them, and the Bible says doing so is equivalent to hating them. If we love them, we have to be careful to discipline them (Proverbs 13:24).
Let us be aware therefore of the affairs that currently matters to us and our family, yet without neglecting to keep a close watch of our young. Though we may concern ourselves with the affairs of this world as to how we should care for our spouse and family (1 Corinthians 7:33-34), let us not forget to fight alongside with our children against temptations. As shepherds of the flock, let us admonish and teach everyone with all wisdom that we may present everyone perfect in Christ Jesus our Lord (Colossians 1:28; 1 Peter 5:2).
Dear Lord, You know the cares we have of this world and the affairs that currently need our attention. Help us Lord to deal wisely in all these affairs and not neglect overseeing those in our care. Guide us Lord in Your wisdom to see the areas we need to pay special attention to in fighting alongside with our loved ones against temptations and the schemes of the devil. In the offering of easy access through technology and the cyberspace at our fingertips Lord, keep watch over us and our loved ones from all enticements. Where disciplinary action is required for our young Lord, guide us on the right approach to educate or correct, that they may not be exasperated or embittered without understanding our love for them. Thank You, Lord, for always taking care of us. You O Lord are our God, and we exalt and praise You because we know You are in full control of all our circumstances and all the current affairs of the world.
He said to Him, “O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.” (Judges 6:15 NAS)
A friend of mine shared with me how she began questioning herself and her competency after working for over a year in an environment where the stakeholders seemingly could not understand the value of her proposed marketing plans. Her situation reminds me of the exact same feeling I had not too long ago after the team of people I worked with in a corporation was absorbed by another department.
For many years, my work had been highly valued as contributing to the corporation. With the change in culture under a new boss and a new supervisor based at headquarters abroad, things were seemingly getting out of hand. After several months ironing out conflicts and differences adjusting from a team working environment to top-down management, I was greatly distressed and started questioning my own self-worth and values. I failed then to realize it was God’s way of leading me to new pastures, but now I know.
Many of us have probably experienced the feeling of self-doubt at one time or another and questioned ourselves whether we are cut out for a certain job tasked on us to perform. In the Bible, we read of several people who were also faced with such situations. When called by God to deliver His people out of Egypt, Moses said, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). On becoming king, Solomon prayed, “Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in” (1 Kings 3:7). When told to deliver Israel from the hand of Midian, Gideon said, “O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house” (Judges 6:14-15).
Questioning ourselves when feeling inadequate or when in self-doubt is nothing wrong, but we ought never to give up. This is because very often our abilities are not our own but God-given, and in His strength we can succeed (Philippians 4:13). If we take the time to ponder over our past, we may discover the many occasions we did certain things we were not qualified for or capable of doing under normal circumstances. Such abilities are God-given; not our own. Like salvation, they are the gift of God, not as a result of our works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Just as Moses, Solomon, and Gideon prevailed in the Lord when they obeyed God, let us therefore also not fret but be prepared when called upon to do His will or to a new adventure ahead. Let us be content with weaknesses, insults, distresses, persecutions, difficulties for Christ's sake; for when we are weak, then are we strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Grant us dear Lord the confidence to do what You ask of us, and give us the strength to do the things we cannot do. Help us completely trust in You and not dwell in self-doubt, but overcome our feelings of inadequacy and inability. We desire to obey Your command O God, for You know us better than we know ourselves. In our weakness and distress O Lord, keep us content for Christ’s sake that when we are weak, we may be strong in You.
And why should we ourselves risk our lives hour by hour? For I swear, dear brothers and sisters, that I face death daily. (1 Corinthians 15:30-31a NLT)
According to an article by G. Jeffrey MacDonald of Religion News Service at ChristianityToday.com, raising risk awareness and taking steps to prevent disasters is a matter of faithfulness for some church leaders. Besides preaching the gospel and ministering to the needy, figuring out how to handle an ever-growing list of risks is now part and parcel of a pastor’s life.
Some new risks are real and demand vigilance, said Travis Hutchinson, pastor of Highlands Presbyterian Church in LaFayette, Georgia. Conducting a criminal background check on everyone who works with children, for example, has become a necessity. Other risks are more remote, yet vendors stoke anxiety about everything from federal audits to shooting sprees.
"I get lots and lots of stuff that just seems like fear mongering, and apparently that's taken hold in some places," said Hutchinson. "One of the things we have to do as a congregation is to ask ourselves, how much of our time is [risk management] eating up? And how much time are we spending doing what God wants us to do?"
A number of churches and Christian communities have expressed concerns over minimizing risk because members may forget how to take risks appropriate to Christian discipleship. Scott Bader-Saye, a professor of moral theology at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, said churches preoccupied with institutional safety may become unwelcoming toward poor people because embracing them could pose hazards to their bottom lines. Another concern is churches anxious to protect endowment assets may not notice when opportunities for generosity come along.
"The question being lost in today's risk management is, what are we willing to lose for the sake of the gospel?" said Hutchinson.
Striking a balance between taking or not taking a certain risk is of great concern to many today. Yet long before risk management even existed, people were already taking risks. We read about such people in the history of the Church, the many who risked and gave up their lives holding fast to the faith. Peter was crucified, Paul was beheaded, Stephen was stoned to death, James died by the sword, and many others were eaten by lions or burned at the stake. Through the centuries, many more missionaries suffered persecution, and some were murdered for preaching the gospel in places where Christianity was forbidden. All these martyrs risked their lives and remained steadfast to the very end.
Have we ever wondered why there are people who are willing to risk their lives hour by hour and face death daily? For the apostle Paul, it was because he believed in Christ and the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12-14, 29-31). What about us? Are we willing to risk our lives for the Lord or are we at risk of becoming too unduly concerned about protecting ourselves that we turn away people who are in real need? Are we too dependent on others to ensure our safety that we do not know how to be vigilant or take care of ourselves? Are we exercising our spiritual gift of discernment and paying attention to the prompting of the Holy Spirit?
True risk management is not all about preventing the dangers that can harm us, for there is no need to be afraid of those who can hurt our bodies but not our souls. Fear instead He who is able to destroy both our souls and bodies in hell (Matthew 10:28). Like the apostle Paul, let us be bold and willing to take risks for the gospel of Christ even if it means to expose ourselves to ridicule, disadvantage or persecution for His name’s sake.
Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes risking the many souls that need You because of undue concern for our own safety. Help us Lord not fall prey easily to schemers and those whose purpose is to destroy, but grant us Your gift of discernment to differentiate between real risks and those that are fueled by fear. Lead us by Your Holy Spirit Lord to see and hear with opened eyes and ears in our exercising vigilance to protect ourselves, our brothers and sisters in the faith, and the people of the community. Strengthen us Lord that we may be bold to take risks and face challenges for the gospel of Christ.
LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. (Habakkuk 3:2a NIV)
When someone says our reputation precedes us, we know that person has heard about us and what we have done or achieved prior to meeting us. In a sense, it means we have earned ourselves a certain amount of fame—good or bad. If we are known for being charitable, we are doing fine, unless all our works are done in pretense, just for hype. If we, on the other hand, have a reputation for doing the exact opposite of what is right, then we are in a sad state, more often than not acquainted with dishonor. Beyond these two opposites is a third outcome of fame which is seemingly undesirable, yet absolutely necessary. This is the earned reputation for doing the right thing and suffering for doing it.
The apostle Paul said, “I have ... been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked … I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked” (2 Corinthians 11:23-28 NIV).
Paul did the right thing and suffered much for the gospel of Christ. His reputation preceded him—both good and bad—and his imprisonment encouraged many to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly (Acts 9:13-14, 20-21, 26-27; Philippians 1:14). The controversy concerning his total change after his conversion made news, and for that he had many opportunities to share his testimony (Acts 22:2-16; 26:12-18). God did extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them (Acts 19:11-12). Famed for contributing a large part of the writings in the New Testament, Paul was reputed for having led many to the Lord.
What about us? Who do people and the crowd say we are? Are we reputed for doing the right or wrong things? Are our good works publicity stunts to gain popularity and praise from men or are we genuinely interested in helping the needy? Are our actions and testimony bringing glory to or defaming the name of the Lord? Is fame and face more important to us than obeying God? Where do we stand if we know we are to suffer disrepute or be disadvantaged doing what is right?
Let us choose to bring glory to God in every of our actions rather than to ourselves, and let the fame of our God be exceedingly great (Colossians 3:17). If we are famous or desire fame, let us not boast of ourselves but of God (Jeremiah 9:23-24; 2 Corinthians 10:13). Like Habakkuk the prophet, let us say of the LORD, we have heard of Your fame; we stand in awe of Your deeds, O LORD (Habakkuk 3:2a).
Dear Lord, forgive us for the times we place our reputation above all else, just for the sake of face or popularity votes. Help us Lord not to be too proud of ourselves or do things purely for the reason of hype. Set right our hearts O Lord to genuinely desire to help others and to be charitable for the right reasons; not for fame or for the praise of men. Grant us a spirit of humility Lord that we may not envy or be upset even if we do not become famous, reputed, or receive the recognition we deserve for the good we have done. You alone deserve all glory and fame O God, and we stand in awe of Your deeds.
"For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes." (Jeremiah 31:25 NAS)
According to the World Health Organization (W.H.O.), suicide is one of the three leading causes of death among those aged 15 to 44 years in some countries, and the second leading cause of death in the 10 to 24 years age group. Every year, almost one million people die from suicide. Every 40 seconds, a person commits suicide somewhere in the world, and every 3 seconds a person attempts to die. Each suicide has a serious impact on at least six other people, and the psychological, social and financial impact of suicide on the family and community is immeasurable.
Socio-demographics indicate more males commit suicide than females, but more females attempt suicide. Of those who commit suicide, the majority have experienced a number of stressful life events, such as interpersonal problems, rejection, loss, work and financial problems, or changes in society.
"Very often when people say 'I am tired of life' or 'There is no point in living,' they are brushed off, or are given examples of other persons who have been in worse difficulties,” said the W.H.O. “Neither of these responses helps the suicidal person.”
The W.H.O. advised that the first step to help someone with suicidal tendency is to find a suitable place where a quiet conversation can be held in reasonable privacy. The second is to allocate the necessary time to listen attentively and calmly to understand the person's feelings. The aim of this is to bridge the gap created by mistrust, despair, and loss of hope to give the person the hope that things can change for the better.
Hope is what gives us strength when we are weary, and God is willing and able to increase our power when we lack might (Isaiah 40:29). This hope we have in God is the anchor of our soul which is sure and steadfast, the one that brings us within the veil into the presence of our God (Hebrews 6:19). Without this hope, we have no vision, and without vision, we become unrestrained and perish (Proverbs 29:18). Yet if we wait for the LORD, we will gain new strength and mount up with wings like eagles, run and not get tired, walk and not become weary (Isaiah 40:31).
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Are we weary and tired of life or the challenges we face every day? If we are, let us come to the Lord and He will give us rest. Rather than become weary in doing good, let us push ahead even if our life’s journey is wearisome, for in due time we will reap bountiful joy if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). Remember, God is the One who satisfies the weary; He is the One who refreshes the weak and feeble (Jeremiah 31:25).
Do we know of anyone who is going through stressful times? Are we conscious of the people around us who are facing interpersonal problems, rejection, loss, financial difficulties or changes in society that are affecting them negatively? If we know of such people, let us not ignore them or be insensitive to them. Instead, let us give them hope by sharing with them Christ Jesus our Lord who is able to grant them strength and refreshment in weariness, salvation and joy forevermore.
Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes yielding to feelings of hopelessness in our weariness facing the seemingly endless challenges in our lives. Grant us the strength Lord to withstand, and remind us constantly to turn to You to get refreshed, especially in times of agony and distress. Keep us focus on You Lord in moving forward to what lies ahead, that we may not lose heart or grow weary in doing good. Help us bridge the gap with those who are weary Lord, that we may be the ones to bring them the joy and hope of Your salvation.
And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man was very productive. (Luke 12:16 NAS)
In his article 'Three Ways to Become Rich — One-Way to Live the Good Life' at Forbes.com, Panos Mourdoukoutas mentioned three approaches to getting rich which are revealed in Forbes World’s Billionaires’ list.
The first is the Company-builder way. This is seen in how Carlos Slim Helu amassed his wealth by setting up large-well managed corporations in heavy industry, mining and retailing. Mr. Slim holds the title of world’s richest man for the third consecutive year on Forbes’ list. According to Biography.com, he became a billionaire after the economic crash of 1982 when he purchased investments at low prices which later turned extremely valuable.
The second is the Business-builder way. This is exemplified by how Microsoft founder Bill Gates made his fortune in helping engineers and marketers become entrepreneurs, who in turn helped other engineers and marketers become their own entrepreneurs. Mr. Gates holds second place on Forbes’ list.
The third is the Financier way. This can be seen in how Berkshire Hathaway’s Chairman Warren Buffett accumulated his fortune through buying up shares of well-managed corporations and entrepreneurial ventures. Mr. Buffett holds third place on Forbes’ list.
In concluding his article, Mourdoukoutas wrote that irrespective of which path one follows to riches, history has shown that staying rich is often more difficult than getting there, and being rich does not warrant a good life. According to another article at Forbes.com, although Mr. Slim retains the title as world's richest man, his fortune estimated recently is down by $5 billion as compared to a year before. The primary reason for this is the lower share price of his America Movil stock, which accounts for more than half his net worth. The company moreover has been ordered by Mexican regulators to cut charges it levies on mobile phone competitors in exchange for dropping a record fine of $1 billion in April 2011 for monopolistic practices after a year-long appeal and dispute.
Like Mr. Slim and the others who top Forbes’ list as the richest, our Lord Jesus Christ also mentioned in a parable about a rich man whose land was very productive. This rich man reasoned to himself what he should do, since there was no place to store his crops. Eventually, he decided on tearing down his barns to build larger ones, and there store all his grain and goods (Luke 12:16-20).
“Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry,” said the rich man to himself. But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your soul is required of you.” Who will now own what the rich man had prepared? For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul (Matthew 16:26; Mark 8:35-36)?
Jesus said, “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 … for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
Let us therefore be content with what we have, for many who want to become rich have fallen into temptation and a snare, and many foolish and harmful desires have plunge men into ruin and destruction (1 Timothy 6:8-9). Some have become unfruitful, choked by the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things (Mark 4:19). Since we know no amount of riches can warrant a good life, why then should we seek to become rich or desire the trophies wealth offers?
If therefore we are rich in this present world, let us not to be conceited or fix our hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Do good and be rich in good works, always ready to share, that we may store up for ourselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future to take hold of that which is truly life (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Dear Lord, forgive us for sometimes putting our trust in the riches of this world. Help us Lord not desire or seek to become rich, but be content with what we already have. In our riches Lord, grant us a heart to help those in need of care, instead of storing up to accumulate more. All that we have O Lord belongs to You and comes from You. In You Lord we put our trust, for You are our provider and the sustainer of our soul.
But his wife, from behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:26 NAS)
In the book, Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson, a fable was told of how four characters—two mice and two miniature humans—react to the discovery of stolen cheese. The humans became angry and rant at the unfairness of the situation, but eventually went home hungry. The mice on the other hand accepted the fact, and moved on to search for new cheese. The underlying principles to learn from this story are acceptance and adaptability when dealing with changes in work and life. In a sense, it is about not looking back to what was already lost, and to move forward to what lies ahead.
Like the fable by Dr. Johnson, the Bible also recorded for us an event in the Old Testament that teaches about not looking back. When Sodom and Gomorrah were about to be destroyed, the angels told Lot to take his wife and two daughters, and leave Sodom so they may not be swept away in the punishment of the cities. When Lot hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hand of his wife and of his two daughters, and brought them outside the city. One of the two angels then said, “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you, and do not stay anywhere in the valley” (Genesis 19:15-17).
When Lot finally reached Zoar, the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire out of heaven, and overthrew the cities. Lot's wife, however, from behind Lot, looked back and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:23-26).
Many of us know the reason behind Lot's wife becoming a pillar of salt. Just as Lot hesitated when told to leave the city, his wife was also reluctant to leave, having lived a life of luxury in Sodom for a long time with all her possessions left behind. Her heart was of regret and longing, unwilling to part with her earthly gains, wishing to stay behind to keep what she once had. Lot, unlike his wife, although hesitant, accepted his lost and obeyed the LORD’s command to look ahead.
Are we like Lot's wife at times? Do we hold to the past with yearning as if all hope is lost for the future? Can we put our trust in God completely on what lies in the days and years to come?
The Bible said in reference to our former manner of life, we should lay aside the old self which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit (Ephesians 4:22). Since therefore we have laid aside the old self with its evil practices, we ought to put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created us (Colossians 3:9-10).
No doubt, not all things that lie behind us are evil practices, lusts, deceit or unchristian like. Nonetheless, our past should not burden, afflict, plague, distress, bother or hinder us from moving forward. The past should be lessons learned and not something that holds us back. Unless we are willing to let go of our past painful experiences, misgivings and wrongdoings, our lives can take a toll and destroy what lies ahead.
Jesus said, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). Forgetting what lies behind, therefore, let us reach forward to what lies ahead and press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14). Let us put our complete trust in God, for He knows the plan He has for us; plans for welfare and not for calamity to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
Dear Lord thank You for helping us not look back to our past in sadness, pain or regret. Teach us Lord to accept the things we cannot change, and to move on to do that which You have made Your plans for us. Guide us Lord in the days and years ahead as we face new challenges and cope with changes in life and work. Strengthen and renew us Lord as we put aside our old ways, along with our past misgivings and wrongdoings, that we may not unwittingly destroy our future. In You O Lord we put our complete trust, for You alone know what lies ahead.
A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. (Ecclesiastes 4:12b NAS)
Rope making has been around for a long time, and there are many different ways of making it. Depending on how a rope is made will determine the different characteristics that can be introduced to the finished rope.
One of the most common ropes used today is the laid or twisted rope. According to various sources of information from the web, a laid rope has a preferred direction for coiling. A right-laid rope is coiled clockwise to prevent kinking. This type of rope needs to be bound at its ends to prevent untwisting.
Laid rope of three strands is usually preferred because of its proven strength to carry a load or lash a structure. Such a rope is made by twisting three strands of fiber in one direction and then laying the strands together by allowing the strands to twist together in the opposite direction. Fibers are first gathered and spun into yarns, and a number of these yarns are then formed into strands by twisting. Each of these strands are twisted tightly and joined to make the twist coil the rope. This counter-twisting is what holds the finished rope together to make it a stable and unified object.
A marriage relationship is like the making of a three strand rope. Depending on how much we are willing to let the Lord guide us as a couple and in our family life will determine how our marriage relationship turns out. Unless we have Christ to hold fast our relationship like a threefold cord with strands bound together, a marriage or family can quickly be torn apart (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Just as a laid rope has a preferred direction for coiling, even when two have become one flesh in marriage, each can still have differing opinions and preference, and these can lead to both going different directions.
I have been married for more than twenty years, and I have seen marriages that last till the end and those that did not last. I know and understand how hard it is for couples with differing opinions and preference to stay together, and I know what it means to tolerate one another. I thank God my wife and I are still growing in love after all these years because Christ is the center of our lives. Without Christ, I can never be sure how our marriage relationship would be today, for we differ much in thoughts and character. I know for sure, however, that without the Lord things would not have been the same.
A lasting marriage is one that has Christ as the center. Even in a strained relationship where a husband and wife go opposite directions in opinions or preference, with Christ as Lord, they can stay strong to carry any load together and move ahead in one direction. Like fibers that are spun into yarns to make the twist coil the rope, if we like branches hold fast to the Vine and abide in Christ, we can be assured our relationship will bear much fruit (John 15:5). Just as a finished rope of three strands cannot be held together without counter-twisting, and branches can do nothing without the Vine, so it is with a marriage relationship.
Let us hold fast therefore to the One who is able to keep us and our family together (Joshua 23:8; Jude 24). For in Christ alone can we build a family that is stable and unified, with relationships that last and are not quickly torn apart. With one heart, let us as a family agree with one another even if we differ in opinions or preference to affirm as Joshua did, “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).
Dear Lord, thank You for holding fast our marriage relationship. We know Lord that as a family our relationship hinges on putting You first in our lives. You O Lord are the Vine and we are the branches. Without You, we can do nothing. Guide us therefore Lord in our building of a relationship that lasts. Help us not go opposite directions over differing opinions or preference, but to willingly give in to or agree with the other in love. You are the center of our lives Lord and in You alone we are assured our relationship will bear much fruit till the end.
Delivered during a Sunday church service, the following is a summary of a sermon on anxiety.
