Three Things That Demand Our Constant Attention  

Matthew 6:19-34

 

     Here our Lord identifies three snares by which satan seeks to destroy our souls and rob us of the joy and peace of faith.

     WORLDLINESS is the love of the world (I John 3:15). It is not, as most assume, a conformity to the world in dress style. Unless such conformity involves immodesty, we ought to dress the way other people do.  It is conformity to the self-serving principles, aspirations, and behavior of the world. It is an immoderate attachment to the things of this world. Worldliness is one of the greatest dangers we face. It is one of satan's most cleverly disguised snares. It seems an innocent thing to pay close attention to business and seek advancement and prosperity in the world, so long as we avoid the open sins of immorality. Yet, our Lord warns us that worldliness is the rock on which many have made shipwreck of their souls.

     DOUBLEMINDEDNESS is the foolish attempt of religious men to serve God and the world at the same time. It is impossible to do so. The ark of God will not allow Dagon to stand in the same house with it. Christ must be King in our hearts, ruling over us, so that his will, his glory, and his kingdom receives the devotion of our hearts and the commitment of our lives. Unless our lives are so ordered, everything is confusion. "Thy whole body shall be full of darkness." We must be a people of "one thing" (Psa. 27:4; Lk. 10:42; Phil. 3:13). "Set your affections on things above!"

     FRETFULNESS is the result of an overly anxious spirit concerning the matters of divine providence. Four times our Lord says, "Take no thought." He is telling us to stop worrying and fretting about earthly concerns. Prudent concern and care about earthly responsibilities is proper. We are to work, provide for our families, and fulfill our responsibilities in this world. But greed, worry, and self-tormenting care about earthly things is contrary to the faith we profess to have.Worry is a useless thing.It never changed anything (v. 27). If our heavenly Father feeds the sparrows and clothes the wildflowers, why should we question his provision for us. Seek his kingdom, his righteousness, and his glory, and "my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus!"

 

Don Fortner