Why Jesus Says: Do Not Be AnxiousShembull

What is more important?

“Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25)

Jesus addresses our anxiety about food and clothing. Evidently, these were things that people in Jesus’ day worried about, and I think little has changed since. Food and clothing are basic necessities and can take up much of our time, money, and attention.

Of course, it’s necessary to provide for ourselves and our families. Jesus does not tell us to “not take care”, but not to worry. He is addressing our attitudes and emotions. We should not be anxious and concerned while taking responsibility and carrying out our daily work.

Jesus points out that it’s illogical to be anxious about food and clothing, for “life is more than food and the body is more than clothing.” Since the Lord God is the source and fountain of life, wouldn’t He also care for food to sustain the life He created? Since He formed our bodies “fearfully and wonderfully,” wouldn’t He also care about clothing? In fact, God provided the first humans with clothes when they were ashamed of their nakedness! (see Genesis 3:21).

When we are anxious, we tend to focus on what troubles us. Jesus urges us to zoom out and see things in perspective. Do you find that difficult, or does this advice help you?