Lighten Up

Good morning.

Once we have lost our life for Jesus’ sake (see previous posting) we have nothing to worry about.

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:31-33).”

Like we care for our children, the Lord cares for us. Good parents care for their children’s needs and develop the children to accomplish their potential. Usually we establish the children’s talents and gifts and make every effort to nurture it. If our children comply and work with us they get somewhere and become something. If they rebel and follow their own heads, they often end up not so good.

In the same way the Lord wants to develop and use us. In order to do that efficiently, He needs our undivided attention and time. If we want to do our own thing, He cannot accomplish what He intends to. He said we cannot serve both Him and the god of money, Mammon (Matthew 6:24). This is why He expects of us to lose our life, for our carnal life is usually dedicated to money, power and entertainment. This leads to stress and all kinds of unnecessary challenges. Jesus invites us: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).”

His words may be rephrased as follows: “Listen, you’ve tried so hard to live life by yourself, serving Mammon, and look how stressed out you are. You’re tired because you work hard for things that have no value in eternity. I’ll tell you what, come work with Me. I’ll do the thinking and stressing and all you need to do is to go along with Me. I’ll teach you what to do and guide you all the way. You’ll have work to do, but it won’t be hard. Rest in Me for I’m in control.”

Even though we’ll still need to do a day job, we’ll allow ourselves more time to do what the Lord desires and won’t stress so much about our needs if we can manage to rest in Him and have faith that He’ll look after us. In the culture in which we live it’s not easy to understand this. We’re trained from very young to look after ourselves. There are, however, people who knows what it’s like to depend solely on the Lord and to rest in His care. Those people have lost their lives for Jesus’ sake. Maybe we can have a few testimonies of such experiences either about somebody you know or about yourself. Just leave it as a comment.

Lord, I really need to stop being concerned about my life and start being concerned about your Kingdom and my relationship with you. Please help me to rest in you.

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