HALTING YOUR WORRIES

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls”…Matthew 11:29.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33 that the answers to worry is to “seek first His kingdom and his righteousness. This entails getting our ambitions and priorities right. Some of these are modest; such as foods, drinks and clothing. Others can be grandiose; a bigger house, a new car, a better salary, power, reputation or fame. But all these are self-centered and ultimately meaningless.

Our priorities and ambitions need to be changed, not that we are to opt out but quite the reverse. We are to take on a different set of responsibilities which are far more exciting and challenging. Jesus calls us to a nobler ambition-to seek His kingdom; to seek His rule and His reign in our lives, our marriages, our home, family and lifestyle.  We are to seek His kingdom (His reign) in the lives of others-our friends, relations, neighbors, colleagues and in the community. We are to make the most of every opportunity.

Further, we are to seek Gods “righteousness” in our lives and in society. We should seek His standards and invest our time, energy and money in this pursuit. There are many people who, in God’s strength have made a great impact on the society around them. Let’s emulate them.

As nowadays Christians, we need to face up to poverty, the spread of sexuality, communicable diseases, the breakdown of marriage, a nd the abuse of children and determine to do something about them. Jesus promises that if we get our priorities and ambitions right, then all these things will be given to us as well( i.e. all little worries will be dealt with).

Consider a wealthy Baron’s story who had only one son and heir, who died after leaving home. This was a tragedy from which the father never recovered. As his wealth increased, the baron continued to invest in painting by great masters, and when he died his Will was found to call for his paintings to be sold. Because of their quality and artististic value, messages were sent out to museums and collected advertising the sale.

When the day of the question came a large crowd assembled and the lawyer read from baron’s Will. It instructed that the first painting to be sold was that of his beloved son. The portrait was by an unknown artist and it was of poor quality. The only bidder was an old servant who had known and loved the boy. For a sum of money he bought it for its sentimental value and the memories it held for him. The attorney again read from the baron’s will, “whoever buys my son gets all”. The question is over.

Jesus said, “Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”. That is how to stop worrying and start living. God bless you.

                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                      By P/Eld Ogunlolu S. O.