Ninth Sunday after Pentecost: Gospel, Luke 12:22-34                                           

Luke 12:22-34

Something common to nearly everyone in my life experience is the practice (yes, practice) of worry. I say practice because it is akin to the profession of a doctor or dentist or lawyer. It’s really a profession of sorts for many. I know it has taken its toll on my life through the six decades of my life. Sometimes I even worry that I am in my seventh decade. Age is just a number. Yes, I get it. Onward.

Worry wastes. It wastes time, energy, creativity, and it takes the place of things like patience, compassion, and love. Worry wastes. Jesus teaches in our gospel (and we would find similar thoughts in Matthew 6), that worry is simply something the Christian should not do. Should not and do not are two different things. But have you ever considered that one of the things Jesus died for was our worry? You see, worry in the face of being an adopted and chosen child of an all-powerful, all-sufficient, and all-loving Being is sin. There. I wrote it. Worry is sin. It’s not just displaced and assaulted confidence (or the lack thereof). Worry is a slap in God’s face with the backs of our hands. It assaults God. It insults God. It dishonors God.

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life ….” (12:22). This isn’t your mother coddling you. NO! This is the God of the universe speaking to you personally and commanding “Do not worry.” I fear we don’t see it that way. But this is serious business to Jesus and He takes a bit of time clarifying the issue. You and I have a Heavenly Father, a dying and risen and ascended Savior, and the very Spirit of God attending our every step. Our God keeps count of the hairs of our heads. His provision, care, and protection are emblems of His great and indestructible love toward each one of us.

Christian, do not worry. Boy, oh boy, am I writing to myself. But I hope you’ll read and be blessed by the charge as well. Dear brother and/or sister: Jesus says, “Do not worry.”