To some, this world holds a peculiar attraction. The allure of money, possessions, fame and power captivate them to the point of becoming preoccupied with achieving their goals, appearing to be successful, and accumulation of things. On the other end of the spectrum are people who wish they could be or were wealthy, but, for whatever reason, do not have access to the luxuries and pleasures of this world. In either case, the cause is a matter of orientation.
Before Christopher Columbus, a belief was held that the earth was flat. Throughout history, there were other beliefs, such as that the sun revolved around the earth. In this day and age, scientists are beginning to understand that the expanse of the universe appears to be limitless and that our technology is incapable of measuring its size. I would be willing to guess based on what I know of God that space is infinite just as God is eternal.
Throughout the Bible, our size, abilities and length of life are consistently referred to as a drop in a bucket, grass that is here today and gone tomorrow, and dust. Let me give you modern day example. In the fall of 2011, my family and I flew to Philadelphia to visit with my grandparents. Along the way, the pilot announced that we were at peak altitude of 42,000 feet. This is just about 8 miles up over the earth. From that distance, I was completely unable to make out people, cars, houses, buildings, banks, boats, diamond rings, or anything else. Everything on the ground appeared to blend together. Now, imagine what our stuff might look like from, say, Mars. From that distance, the earth would look something like a tiny speck of light, and our stuff would be hopelessly unrecognizable.
If we really are so insignificant, in comparison to both God and space, then why are the luxuries and pleasures of this world elevated to such a significant status? What could be so significant about this earth that we want to build our lives around it as if it was our permanent home?
The answer seems to be our orientation around consumption, status, and accumulation. Such an orientation, we are told by Jesus, breeds worry. Jesus commands us not to worry and lays out His arguments against worry.
It is useless. We cannot add one inch to our stature nor one hour to our life. If by worrying we are incapable of adding one inch or one hour to our life, then why is it we think our worrying will provide for our needs?
It is a distraction. Worrying keeps us from obeying the commandments of the Lord, hinders our discipleship, and keeps us from focusing on heaven and spreading the gospel to those who need it.
It prevents the Lord from intervening in our circumstances and showing us His love.
It breeds mistrust which causes us to miss out on the best He has for us.
It undermines the Lord’s work in the world.
It shows our lack of faith.
It impedes our becoming righteous.
Jesus warns us that becoming bogged down with the cares and worries of this life may cause us to miss heaven. Besides, when you take the time to consider our position in the universe, you will come to realize just how delicately our existence hangs in the balance. A life defined by worry is misdirected and will lack full commitment to what is really important. God knows that our basic needs are legitimate, however, we must make the kingdom of God the center of our existence and allow the rule of God fully in our hearts. The emphatic ‘first’ means to make the kingdom and God’s righteousness our clear priority in life. It is precisely because God knows our basic needs are legitimate and expects us to make His kingdom our priority that He promises to provide.
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