In His “Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus tackles some controversial subjects: divorce, hypocrisy, money, and judgmentalism. This Sunday, we’ll learn about the connection between money and anxiety, as Jesus teaches in this sermon.
“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:21 (NLT)
Money can trap you in the anxiety of an “if only” life. Too often, we live this way. “If only I had _____, then I’d be happy.” Whatever that blank is, that’s what you treasure. Treasure can be anything, but often it’s money. Consider Jesus’ warning in Luke’s gospel.
Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” – Luke 12:15 (NLT)
Jesus didn’t come to give you the things you think make your life. He came to be your life! What connects anxiety to money? Coveting! Coveting is an ungodly desire that causes you to be discontent with what God has given you. More frankly, coveting occurs when you don’t want what God wants for you. Coveting leads to greed, jealousy, and lust. It’s pervasive in our culture.
What is the solution to the problem of coveting? Contentment! Contentment is internal satisfaction that does not depend upon external circumstances. I don’t want to oversimplify the problem of anxiety, but some of the solutions are not as distant as we might think. Contentment is the opposite of coveting. Contentment is satisfaction with God’s sufficient provision. Here is the bottom line. If we trust God, then there is no need to worry. God cares for the smallest parts of creation—the birds, lilies, and wildflowers. He cares for you. But to know His care, you must live for Jesus. On Sunday, we will learn more about practical ways to help us not fall into the trap of money and anxiety.