posted by Patrick Hogan

Not as confusing as it looks ...

This is the first article in a new series we’re calling “seven-minute studies.” So what’s the big idea? Well, there are several scriptures that are often taken out of context and misunderstood, or are just a tad confusing. Many accuse the Bible of being full of contradictions. You may even think you’ve spotted one yourself! This series intends to apply the “line upon line, here a little, there a little” principle of Isaiah 28:13 in juicy, bite-sized portions you can sink your teeth into. Each is only a few paragraphs long, containing just a few scriptures to explain the subject under scrutiny. We’ll try to have one for you every week. You’ll be surprised what you can learn in seven minutes! Here’s the benefit to you:

• Get to know your Bible
• Understand “difficult” scriptures
• Build good Bible study habits
• Easy time commitment

Without further ado, let’s get into our first seven-minute study!

CHALLENGE: Some use Matthew 6:25 to say we should not plan ahead or save for the future. What does it mean?

Notice this scripture does not explicitly say we should not prepare for the future.

The center reference column of the National Bible shows that the Greek rendered “thought” could be better translated “anxious thought.” Christ was telling His followers not to worry anxiously about the future. Maintaining a tranquil mind is one of the laws of good health.

Christ was certainly not advocating that Christians make no plans at all for the future. God knows we have need of certain physical things (verses 31-32). He tells us to follow the example of the ant that saves and plans ahead for the future (Proverbs 6:6-8) and even specifically states in 1 Timothy 5:8 and Proverbs 13:22 that a man who does not provide for his family is derelict of his duty. Also notice that verse 25 says, “Take no [anxious] thought for your life ….” Clearly this is talking about food, drink and clothing in the context of not having enough to sustain life. It comes down to an issue of faith (verse 30). Do we trust that God will take care of us and provide for all our life needs? See also the principle of asking in faith outlined in James 1:5-7.

But also notice this is all in the context of verse 24 (verse 25 begins with “therefore”). Christ points out that one cannot serve God and mammon. Mammon means wealth, or physical goods. The point is we must not consume ourselves with our physical state. How many people worry and fret, not because they don’t have food, but because they don’t have that shiny new car they want or that new high-definition TV?

Romans 8:5 points out that they who are carnally minded tend only to the things of the flesh, and those who are spiritually minded concern themselves with the things of the Spirit. If we consume our thoughts with physical issues (whether it be need or want), we cannot be focused on spiritual things like we should. The carnal mind is enmity against God and ultimately leads nowhere—except to death (verses 6-7). God promises to take care of our needs if we have the faith to be concerned about spiritual things (working toward His Kingdom and taking on His righteousness), and trust that the reward He offers us is so much more than anything we could desire in this physical life. Paul said our future cannot even be compared to our present troubles (Romans 8:18).

Another aspect to consider is that we must not be presumptuous in making plans for the future. James said, “Go to now, you that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow. For that you ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or do that” (James 4:13-14).

The principle is you should not waste time making elaborate, intricately detailed plans that you may never use—or that may contradict God’s will. Keep your life simple and concentrate on the spiritual basics. It’s a matter of emphasis. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (material possessions and physical needs) will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).

Well, that’s it for this week. If you’d like to see a scripture as a subject for a seven-minute study, feel free to drop me an e-mail. We welcome suggestions!