The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Consequences for Complacency

Paula K. Graves

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October 16, 2026

The third servant of the Parable of the Three Servants received consequences for complacency. Matthew 25: 26 But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ [1]

The Master gave the third servant a strong rebuke. This was in great contrast to what he had told the other two servants: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”[2] The servant was wicked because his actions were a decision against the Master’s will. His inaction was unprofitable and useless. He had been lazy because he had failed to grasp the nature of his responsibility with what the Master had given him.

Stewarding Our Gifts

The Master had given his servants gifts with an expectation of some return. God entrusts us with His gifts expecting growth, and sitting idly by neglects His purpose and passion for our lives. There is always a temptation to be complacent, or smugly satisfied, with God’s gifts to us. We forget that God gives us our time, talent, and money to use for His purposes, yet we use them to build our own kingdoms instead.

As we can see with the third servant, there are consequences for refusing to use God’s investment in us for His Kingdom. God desires to work through us, His children, to accomplish things for Him here in this life on earth. If we think these gifts are just for us, or if we think God is harsh, we don’t understand God’s character. Having a wrong perception of God leads to wasted opportunities.

God’s Expectations

We must know what God expects when He gives us gifts so we avoid the trap of wasted potential in service to God.

Romans 12:6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[3]

To learn more about the consequences for complacency, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faithfulness-with-what-is-entrusted

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

A Distorted Perception of God

Paula K. Graves

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October 15, 2026

Unfortunately, many people hold a distorted perception of God. The Parable of the Three Servants teaches us how to use the gifts God has given us well. Thus, the accusations the servant makes against his Master are the same as people often make of God.

Matthew 25: 24 Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ [1]

These are serious accusations. Just as the servant declared his Master harsh, many people picture God the same way. If we think God is harsh and unfair, we will not trust Him and will try to avoid Him. As we look at the stories in the Bible, we find that God loves us and has a plan to restore our relationship with Him through Jesus. John 3: 16 For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.[2]

Exploiter or Lord of All?

The third servant accused his Master of harvesting crops he didn’t plant or work. In essence, this amounts to exploitation. Did God create us to use us as His slaves? This mindset leads us to a fear-based inactive faith. Many see God as an old man with a large stick just waiting for us to make a wrong move so He can punish us. As a result, we are too afraid to do anything.

If we look closely at the parable, we observe that the third servant’s accusations act as an excuse for his own irresponsibility. It was easier to accuse the Master of bad behavior than to admit he was in the wrong. We often do the same with the character of God. Scripture describes God as merciful, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Psalm 103: 8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. [3]

Many would say that the God of the Old Testament is angry and judgmental. True, there is judgment there. But if we look closely, that judgment came only after God had warned them through the prophets and continued to pursue His people to bring them back to Him. Judgment comes only when the people rebel and refuse to honor God. The Lord of All is just and punishes the wicked who refuse to repent.

Re-evaluate Misconceptions about God

A distorted perception of God holds us back from being bold in our faith. All God asks of us is to serve in His Kingdom to the best of our ability. If we refuse to use our gifts for His Kingdom, it reveals our lack of love for God because we don’t care if we accomplish anything for Him. When we align our view of God with Biblical truth, we find that we can trust Him enough to take risks for His glory. We want to re-evaluate any misconceptions about God that hold us back from being bold as we use our gifts to build His Kingdom. All our time, talents, and money are not ours. They are gifts from God, and we are the caretakers. When we ignore, squander, or abuse what God has given us, we are in rebellion and subject to punishment. Don’t let a distorted perception of God stop you from working in His Kingdom. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faithfulness-with-what-is-entrusted

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Joy of Faithful Accountability

Tom Graves

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October 14, 2026

The joy of faithful accountability is the Lord’s desire for every believer. In the parable of the three servants, the Lord describes two faithful servants who used their entrusted resources to increase the master’s wealth. Upon returning from a long absence, the master praises them. Matthew 25:23 Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together![1]

Every Christian looks forward to hearing these words from Jesus in heaven, which we can do by surrendering our will to His. We all need goals, and as believers, concentrating on being faithful to what the Lord has entrusted to us brings us joy. When we look at accountability through that lens, it changes our perspective.

Accountability Helps Me Depend on God

There is something about accountability that brings out the best in us. The idea of accountability tells us that what we are doing is important. 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. [2]

Accountability provides the support and encouragement essential for maintaining focus on Christ, particularly during difficult times. It creates a safe space to be honest about our struggles and disciplines in daily life. When we are accountable to others, we walk alongside them, enabling them to share wisdom, correction, and prayer. Much like another piece of iron purifies iron, divine relationships shape us. True accountability demands vulnerability and trust, fostering growth in the process. 

Accountability goes beyond judgment and criticism; it encompasses grace and love. Just as Jesus walked with his disciples patiently and honestly, He calls us to support one another in the same way. Our primary aim should always be to uplift and encourage each other.

Accountability Helps Me Grow in Faith

Finding joy in being accountable to God strengthens my faith. As my relationship with Him deepens, I become more aware of His preferences and aversions. It also sharpens my heart, helping me listen for His still, small voice as He guides me. As I walk down the path of accountability before the Lord over time, He changes me like a sculptor. Accountability helps develop faith patterns I may never have had before or that I was not interested in.

God does not mean accountability to be drudgery; rather, it is meant to remind us of the importance of the race we are running. Hebrews 12:2Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.[3] Where can you find the joy of faithful accountability? To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faithfulness-with-what-is-entrusted

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Fear Versus Faith

Paula K. Graves

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October 13, 2026

In the Parable of the Three Servants, the response of the third servant demonstrates his fear versus faith. It appears that the Master gave each servant an amount of money that corresponded to their ability to steward it. The third servant received the least amount because the Master knew his ability to care for it was not as great as the other two.

Matthew 25: 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. [1] At the time, burial was a common practice for protecting valuables. This method would not increase the amount, but it would not lose anything either.

Fear Leads to Inaction

Fear will move us toward self-preservation rather than toward trusting God. It appears that the third servant was afraid he might fail when he invested the money, so he never tried. Fear of failure or judgment can immobilize us, which is contrary to the call of faithfulness. The servant knew the Master would return someday, but he didn’t bother to use the time of waiting well.

This parable is an analogy of how God gives us gifts and expects us to use them. We will eventually meet Jesus either at the end of the Age or at the end of our earthly life. How will we use the gifts God has given us? Inaction, driven by fear, contradicts our calling to witness and engage with the world through God’s gifts. Fear of failure often hinders progress in our spiritual journey, just as it did with the third servant.

Faith Leads to Action

We must be ready to confront our fears and move beyond them. This requires us to understand that hiding or burying our God-given gifts is wasteful. God gives us our time, talents, and money to use to build His Kingdom. When our fear stops this, it reflects a misunderstanding of God’s grace and expectations. We don’t want to miss the opportunities God gives us to use our gifts for Him because we won’t get those chances back.

Worry about what might be often causes our fear. This leads us to ask, “What if?” On the other hand, faith says, “Even if.” Psalm 23: 4 Even if I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. [2] When we realize that God is always with us, we can move forward in faith. Our faith replaces fear and leads to action. William Carey said: “Attempt great things for God, expect great things from God.”[3]

Scripture gives us faith-building promises: Hebrews 13: 6 So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” [4] Prayer can help us move from fear to faith. Psalm 34: 4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. [5]

To learn more about fear versus faith, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faithfulness-with-what-is-entrusted

[1,2,4,5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[3] Turner, D., & Bock, D. L. (2005). Cornerstone biblical commentary, Vol 11: Matthew and Mark (p. 327). Tyndale House Publishers.

Faith Responds with Action

Tom Graves

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October 12, 2026

Scripture teaches that faith responds with action. James 2:26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. [1] We know that salvation is entirely a gift from God, as is the faith necessary to believe in Jesus as Savior. Perhaps it is helpful to remember: Faith is the beginning of obedience, and obedience is the completion of faith.

God did not mean faith to remain merely an inward conviction; it finds its fullest expression as we trust Him enough to walk in His ways. This aligns with Scripture. Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. [2] Essentially, the Spirit’s work in bringing us to faith naturally leads us to respond with gratitude and to share God’s love, making good works a natural consequence of faith.

Jesus exemplified this perfectly. He didn’t merely speak about God’s love; He showed it through healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and caring for the marginalized. True faith is active and transformative, benefiting both the one who acts and the one who receives.

Our Actions Reveal Our Heart

In the parable of the three servants, Jesus offers insight into the first two servants and how they respond to what they have been entrusted with while their master is away. Matthew 25:16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more.[3]

While it would have been easy to do nothing with the resources given to them, they did not. It takes work to invest. Many of the resources the Lord gives us are not always monetary but relational. Relationships take time and are like a long-term investment. As we invest in others, it not only changes them but also us. A heart that invests in others is the antidote to selfishness. The world tells us to invest in ourselves, but as we do so, our hearts become less receptive to God’s guidance.   

Invest in What Lasts

Jesus explains about treasure. Matthew 6:20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. [4] As we store our treasure in heaven, it not only reveals our heart but also prompts our faith to respond in action.

God has blessed you with different gifts and skills. Each of these is unique for your use in God’s kingdom. Seeking the Lord is a blessing, as He shows that worldly things fade, but investing in His will guarantees lasting value. 

When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He made the ultimate investment in us, giving everything to pay for our redemption. If you have placed your faith in Him, it is because of His great love and sacrifice that you have the hope of living with Him forever in heaven. That is truly an investment that will last! To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faithfulness-with-what-is-entrusted

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Entrusted With a Purpose

Tom Graves

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October 11, 2026

Being entrusted with a purpose has deep meaning and carries a certain responsibility. In addition, there is a reason God has entrusted you with something important. In the parable of the three servants, Jesus told of three servants entrusted with money. The Master gave the servants different amounts based on their skill levels. These resources represent the talents and abilities God gives believers.

Matthew 25:14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. [1]

Just as these servants were endowed with gifts and abilities by the Lord, we too have been blessed similarly. The way we choose to use these gifts, guided by the Lord, will shape our faith journey through life. 

Lord Guide Me

  To think that the Lord has entrusted us with gifts is a great responsibility; it gives insight into God’s heart toward us. As we grow in faith, we want to do God’s will in our lives. Romans 12: 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [2]

  When we let God transform us, we no longer want to use the gifts God has given us for our own will, but for His. When this happens, it is like arriving at a “Y” in the road, for God’s will takes us to a different place in life. As we arrive in that different place in life, we begin to understand why the Lord gave us the gifts and talents we have. There is something about being trusted by the Lord that inspires us to keep going when life is difficult. Not only does the Lord entrust us with certain things, but He also walks with us over the hills and valleys of life. 

Fulfillment through God’s trust and Purpose

 Fulfillment is something everyone seeks, and for believers, God has a plan for our lives that fulfills that longing. True fulfillment in life does not come when we invest God’s resources in ourselves, but in others. Using your gifts intentionally not only benefits others but can also change lives forever. God created you to reflect His creativity and calls us to participate in His mission. 1 Corinthians 12:27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. [3] 

  As part of the worldwide Church, our mission is to use our divine gifts to share the Gospel. God’s Word has the power to touch hearts and transform lives, and you can help make a difference. Living by faith encourages us to view our resources as God’s provision, entrusted to us to advance His Kingdom. We have been entrusted with a purpose. To find out more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faithfulness-with-what-is-entrusted

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

What We Treasure Reveals Our Hearts

Tom Graves

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October 10, 2026

What we treasure reveals our hearts and gives us true insight into our relationship with our Savior. Knowing how easily our hearts can become consumed with earthly concerns, Jesus lovingly redirects our focus from temporary possessions to eternal blessings. He begins this passage with a tender word of comfort. Luke 12:32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. [1]

Jesus addresses His followers as a “little flock,” reminding them that they are not forgotten or abandoned. In a world filled with uncertainty, financial pressures, and fear about the future, Christ points His people away from anxiety and toward the Father’s heart. God’s aim isn’t just to fulfill our short-term needs but to offer us something far greater: the Kingdom itself.

The promise of the Kingdom changes how we view everything else. If the Father has already determined to give us an eternal inheritance through Christ, why should fear over earthly possessions consume us? We discover that our greatest treasure is being a child of God.

Freedom Through Generous Giving

Luke 12: 33 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need.[2] Jesus follows His promise with a challenge. Since we are to find our security in God’s Kingdom, we are free to hold earthly possessions loosely. His call to generosity is not a command to pursue poverty but an invitation to experience freedom from the tyranny of materialism.

In first-century Judea, wealth often represented security, status, and survival. Yet Jesus challenged His followers to trust God so deeply that they could joyfully give to others. Generosity becomes a visible expression of faith. It declares that we believe God will provide and that His Kingdom is worth more than anything this world offers.

Christ Himself modeled this perfectly. Though He possessed all the riches of heaven, He willingly gave Himself for our salvation. His sacrificial love becomes the pattern for our own lives. As we share our resources, support God’s work, and care for those in need, we reflect the heart of our Savior.

Heart’s Treasure Tells All

Luke 12:34 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. [3] Jesus concludes with a profound spiritual principle: what we treasure reveals our heart. What we value most inevitably shapes our desires, priorities, and actions.

 If our greatest concern is accumulating earthly wealth, our hearts will become chained to things that fade away. But if our treasure is Christ and His Kingdom, our hearts will increasingly reflect His purposes and values. Through His grace, He invites us to invest in what lasts forever.

Every act of worship, service, generosity, and obedience becomes an investment in eternal treasure. As we treasure Christ above all else, we discover lasting peace, eternal purpose, and the joy of belonging to His Kingdom. For only those whose treasure is in heaven can experience the security that never fades.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/stewardship-begins-in-the-heart

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Put God’s Kingdom First

Paula K. Graves

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October 9, 2026

In His teaching on greed, Jesus urged His listeners to put God’s Kingdom first. Luke 12: 29 And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. [1]

It is more than likely that Jesus taught this lesson multiple times during His earthly ministry. Luke puts this teaching of Jesus toward the end of His ministry. Matthew has Jesus teaching this lesson at the beginning of His ministry.

Matthew 6: 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. [2]

What is God’s Kingdom?

In broad terms, God is the sovereign ruler over all of His creation, and that is His kingdom. In a narrower sense, it is God’s rule over the hearts and lives of those who willingly submit to Him. If you refuse to yield to God and defy His authority by rebelling against His rules, you are not a part of His Kingdom. On the other hand, those who acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus and surrender to God’s rule in their hearts are part of His Kingdom.

This is not a geographical kingdom but a spiritual kingdom that coexists alongside earthly kingdoms. Christ has established His spiritual reign through the church on earth, and He will one day, at the end of the age, establish His physical reign in the new heaven and new earth.

Living the Kingdom Life

In the Lord’s Prayer, we pray for God’s Kingdom to come to earth. One way this is done is for God to work through His followers. For God to work through us, we must be willing to put our wishes aside and obey God’s desires. This entails trusting God to provide for us so that we can carry out the assignments He has for each of us. The teachings of Jesus can help us align our actions with God’s will. This will lead us to a richer, more generous life centered on God’s Kingdom.

We must understand that God’s Kingdom is eternal while this earthly life is temporary. Unbelievers must trust themselves to provide and so worry about what they eat and drink. Their only focus is on worldly things which, unfortunately, are temporary. When we come to believe in Jesus, God shifts our priorities from earthly concerns to heavenly, eternal priorities. Our perspective switches from focusing on ourselves to the Kingdom values of love, peace, and mercy.

Where do you need to stop worrying and start trusting that the Creator of the Universe will supply all your needs? Where do you need to seek to put God’s Kingdom first? To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/stewardship-begins-in-the-heart

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Embracing God’s Divine Provision

Tom Graves

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October 8, 2026

Embracing God’s divine provision is a teaching Jesus conveys through a brief illustration in Luke chapter twelve. Luke 12:27 “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? [1]

As we examine this text, Jesus directs our attention to the lilies of the field, delicate flowers that neither labor nor manufacture their own beauty. Yet they stand adorned with splendor surpassing even the royal garments of Solomon. Through this simple illustration, Jesus reveals a profound truth: God’s care extends to every detail of His creation.

The lilies are not anxious about tomorrow. They simply flourish according to their Creator’s design. If God lavishes such attention on flowers that bloom for only a short season, how much more does He care for those created in His image? Many believers struggle with feelings of inadequacy or fear their needs may go unnoticed. Jesus does not measure our value by possessions, accomplishments, or status but by our relationship with Him.

Releasing Anxiety Through Trust

Jesus extends His comparison by pointing to the grass of the field. Though its beauty is temporary, God still clothes it in remarkable splendor. The grass may flourish today and wither tomorrow, yet God’s creative care is evident in every blade. We often worry about circumstances beyond our control. Jesus gently exposes the irony of our fears. If God invests such care in fleeting things, why do we doubt His commitment to those He calls His children?

Trusting God’s provision does not mean ignoring responsibilities. Rather, it means surrendering the burden of ultimate control to Him. Faith recognizes that God is already at work in ways we cannot see. As we release our anxieties into His hands, gratitude begins to replace fear.

Rejoicing in Christ, God’s Ultimate Provision

We find the greatest expression of God’s provision in Jesus Christ. The One who cares for the lilies has also provided for humanity’s deepest need through the cross. Christ’s sacrifice demonstrates beyond doubt our immense value in God’s eyes.

Material resources may come and go, and earthly beauty may fade, but the love of God revealed in Christ endures forever. Through Him, we receive forgiveness, reconciliation, and the promise of eternal life. Because of Jesus, we can face life’s uncertainties with confidence, knowing that our future is secure in Him. We no longer measure life by what we possess but by the riches we have in Christ. The cross assures us that He will never withhold what is ultimately best for His children. We want to live life embracing God’s divine provision.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/stewardship-begins-in-the-heart

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 12:27–28). Tyndale House Publishers.

Conquer Futile Worry

Paula K. Graves

no comments

October 7, 2026

Jesus warned His disciples to conquer futile worry. He had just told the Parable of the Rich Fool to illustrate that everyone needs to get their priorities straight in life. Then Jesus went on to expand the teaching. Luke 12 25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 26 And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? [1]

Our modern culture is filled with anxiety. “Anxiety disorders have become increasingly common, with 43% of U.S. adults reporting feeling more anxious in 2024 compared to previous years. Psychologists attributed this to various factors, including stress from current events and lifestyle changes.” [2]

Many of Jesus’ listeners were poor and were one disaster from destitution. But worry wouldn’t help. Corrie Ten Boom, who endured a Nazi prison camp, gives us wisdom. “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”[3] Worry is pointless since it changes nothing and consumes our time and energy.

Easy to Say, Hard to Do

We understand the need to stop feeling anxious, but it can be difficult. Worry distracts us from focusing on God. When we look to Scripture, it can help us conquer futile worry.

First, we need to trust God’s plan. Proverbs 3: 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. [4]

If trusting God is difficult, remember how faithful God has been. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.[5]

Combat worry with prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. [6]

Engage support from other believers. Galatians 6: 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.[7]

Seek God First

When we worry, we become preoccupied with ourselves, our needs, and our desires. By diverting our focus from ourselves to God, our worries will diminish. As we make God’s Kingdom our priority, we will open the door to the Lord’s provision and care.

Jesus Himself tells us this: Matthew 6: 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. [8]

May you release the hold of fear and anxiety by leaning into faith, which brings peace and a sense of security in God’s love and care. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/stewardship-begins-in-the-heart

[1,4-8] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/annual-poll-adults-express-increasing-anxiousness, accessed 6-22-26.

[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 221). Victor Books.

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