Why Worry?

The life of a Christian is certainly the best life that anyone could ever live (Jn.10:10; 1Thess. 5:16). However, being a Christian is also a life that has its "ups and downs" at certain times. During our sojourn upon the earth we are faced with many obstacles that must be overcome so that worry doesn’t "set in" and also that the "peace of God" might rule in our hearts (Col.3:15).

A few obstacles might be realistically cited and "scripturally overcome" as we consider the life of a Christian:

1. The fear of religious confrontation in light of opposition to the Gospel. The Apostle Paul wrote that he, upon arrival at Corinth, was with them "in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling" (1Cor.2:1-3). He was certainly in constant physical danger due to his stand for the truth (Acts 18:6; 2Cor.11:24-26), yet the Lord was with him always (Acts 18:9-10; 2Tim.4:16-18)!

2. Indecision concerning exactly how/where one ought to best serve God. Preachers are often confronted with this obstacle; at times even to the point of discouragement. However, Christians in general can become overwhelmed with indecision when it comes to their involvement/role in the local body of Christ. The key to productive Christianity is doing the best you can wherever you are with what you have; planting and watering the seed while God gives the increase (1Cor. 3:7). Above everything else in this life, if we are to be eternally blessed, we as Christians must be a doer of God’s will rather than taking a passive role. (Matt.7:21-27; Jas.1:22)

3. Sorrow produced by the departure of those whom we love in this life. As Christians we ought to develop a kind of love for one another that is unsurpassed by others in the world. We are to "love one another fervently with a pure heart" (1Pet.1:22). Our Lord Jesus Christ wept at the death of His dear friend Lazarus (Jn.11:33-36) as He groaned with Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. Likewise, the elders at Ephesus wept much for what was to befall them and the Apostle Paul in the near future (Acts 20:37-38). It is not uncommon for Christians to have sorrow over the departure of loved ones. In fact it is very normal and even healthy. For, each member of the body is to exhibit the same care one to another (1Cor.12:25-26)!

Consider the words of the Psalmist as we think about our lives in Christ: "I called on the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?…It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in a man. It is better to trust in the Lord that to put confidence in princes." (Ps.118:5-9)

~Duane Patton