What, me worry? ∙∙

What, me worry? ∙∙

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? – Matthew 6:27

Matthew 6:25-34

 25 That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food and drink or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?

 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?

 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

 28 And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,

 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.

 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

 31 So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’

 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

 34 So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Submarines were once ominously referred to as “iron coffins.” However, by the close of the nineteenth century, these vessels had become significantly safer. An iconic image from this era captures John Philip Holland, a pioneering Irish engineer, emerging from a submarine hatch while sporting a derby hat. In 1898, a cartoon based on this photograph featured the caption, “What, me worry?”

Fast forward to 1954, when Mad Magazine made its debut. Harvey Kurtzman, the magazine’s creator, adopted this carefree sentiment as a central theme. In 1956, Mad’s second editor, Al Feldstein, officially christened “Alfred E. Neuman” as the publication’s quintessential mascot. With his mischievous grin and nonchalant demeanor, Neuman quickly became synonymous with Mad Magazine, embodying its irreverent spirit with the catchphrase, “What, me worry?”

To solidify Alfred E. Neuman’s image, Feldstein enlisted Norman Mingo, a renowned American commercial artist and illustrator. Mingo was tasked with refining the character’s look, capturing a blend of charm and intelligence while also exuding a carefree, devil-may-care attitude. The result was a figure who could maintain his sense of humor even as chaos unfolded around him, forever linking Neuman and his motto with Mad Magazine’s legacy.

Alfred E. Neuman

The Lord Jesus Christ encourages His followers to adopt an attitude similar to Alfred E. Neuman’s, minus the mischievousness, when it comes to worldly concerns.

In the Scriptures, the Lord Jesus Christ poses a provocative rhetorical question: “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Matthew 6:27). The answer is clear – no, of course not.

Since worrying yields no positive outcome, why do it? It is worth reconsidering this common human tendency. Embracing a worry-free mindset aligns with the teachings of Christ and can lead to a more peaceful, faith-driven life.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father doesn’t ask us to stop worrying about food, shelter, and clothing because they’re unnecessary. On the contrary, He understands their importance. He is well aware that we need them. However, we can let go of our worries because He promised to provide for our essential needs (Stanley).

Father, if birds and lilies do not fret about their next meal or appearance and are entirely cared for by You, help me to emulate their trust and have faith in Your provision.

INSIGHT

The propensity to worry seems ingrained in human nature as part of our fallen DNA. Fretting does nothing to extend life, provide food, or supply clothing (Matthew 6:27). In fact, worry can actually shorten life.

If it achieves nothing beneficial, our attitudes and emotions that fuel worry need to be revisited. The Father is aware of our needs and has promised to meet them, so why should we be anxious? But of greater importance, Jesus Christ instructed us not to worry, emphasizing trust in God’s faithful provision.

Matthew 6:25 Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life.

Matthew 6:31 So do not worry . . ..

Matthew 6:34 Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow.

In no way does this mean that we should disregard planning and reflecting on the future. Instead, we should ignore the worry that often comes with such efforts. A skilled carpenter carefully plans their work, sketches the final product, and gathers all necessary materials and tools to build what is envisioned. What they don’t need to do is worry about the project itself. The Lord Jesus Christ, who worked as a carpenter alongside Joseph in Galilee, understood this well.

Sadly, maintaining this balance is a common struggle for the children of the King. The Father calls us to single-minded devotion, urging us to seek His kingdom first. While it’s natural to be concerned about outcomes, allowing worry to dominate our thoughts leads to a divided focus. We become double-minded. When we prioritize our own security, we end up giving God only what’s left.

By placing our trust in God first, we can be confident that He will provide for our needs and guide our lives.

Jesus supported His teachings with examples from nature. Birds, constantly active, still rely on God’s provision despite the challenges they face. Lilies and wildflowers grow effortlessly. They do not expend effort like animals do, yet they are beautifully adorned.

Matthew 6:28 Think about how the flowers of the field grow; they do not work or spin.

The Greek term translated as “think about,” “observe,” or “consider” is katamanthano. Katamanthano means to watch something carefully to learn from it. It is intellectual awareness that is gained through examination and reflection.

Flowers and grasses merely exist and grow. They do not labor or strive. The Father adorns them for the natural environment in which they live, showing us the simplicity and ease of His care.

If the Father cares for birds and flowers, how much more will He care for the children of the King? This assurance calls us to trust in His provision and focus on His kingdom, reminding us of His deep love and care for us.

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© Dr. H 2024