Simply Balanced: Bible "Contradictions" Teach Balanced Living
By Christina Downs
Copyright 2006 Christina Downs
Excerpt of “Chapter 1: Don’t Worry… Yet Be Prepared”
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“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear…Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?…But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
- Matthew 6:25-34
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“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
- Matthew 24:42-51
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In these two passages, it may initially seem that Jesus contradicts himself. He tells us not to worry about what we will eat or wear – that God takes care of the birds and grass, so of course He will take care of us, His children. What father would not take care of His children? God gives us everything we need each and every day – “our daily bread,” as the Lord’s Prayer reminds us.
Yet, Jesus also tells us to be prepared for when He returns, a time that will come like “a thief in the night” and that we need to “keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” In order to be prepared, don’t we need to worry about the future? How can it be that Jesus tells us to do both “not worry” yet “be prepared”?
Other passages demonstrate a similar dichotomy.
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How do we reconcile these contradictions? These instructions (not to worry, and then be prepared) seem at first like paradoxes. But in reality they make logical sense, working together to help us achieve harmony in our lives. These seemingly contradictory instructions are Jesus’ way of keeping us balanced between preparation and over-concern, which can lead to intense worry and negatively impact our lives and the lives of those around us. Jesus wants us to realize that, when you are sufficiently prepared, you worry less.
I am a worrier. I always have been, even before I became a mother. I think it’s because I am a future-oriented person, always trying to plan my life. There's nothing obviously wrong with that. Unfortunately, I often worry about what the future may hold. God’s Spirit has worked in me (and continues to do so) by showing me what is important in life, teaching me to slow down and take things one day at a time and enjoy the moment, and helping me trust in God. God is in control in every aspect of our lives, so we do not need to worry!
Often it is our attitude about preparations, not the fact that we prepare, that creates contention in our lives. Do what needs to be done without worry, get it done, and then move on to something else that needs to be done. Don’t be so busy that you fail to hear and trust Jesus.
1.1 Lord, Tell Her to Help Me! (Luke 10:38-42)
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1.2 I Don’t Know You: The Unprepared Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
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1.3 Think Before Speaking Yet Do Not Plan What To Say (Colossians 4:5-6, Matthew 10:19, Mark 13:11, Luke 12:11)
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1.4 Balancing Concern and Preparation
We need to consider the future in order to plan for it. Therefore, there must be a balance between concern and preparation without allowing worry to consume us or stop us in our tracks (leading to procrastination). Worry stems from fear and leads to over-preparation; this fear hinders progress toward bearing fruit for God’s glory, which is His will for our lives. You end up always preparing, never doing.
In particular, if you are constantly worried about your salvation, you will never move beyond that fear to achieve God’s full purpose in your life. If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He has forgiven you and you are saved. So you do not need to wonder about your salvation – instead, you can move on and grow spiritually and lead others to Jesus and glorify God all the rest of your days.
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Do not worry; give your cares to the Lord. Remember to “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall” (Psalm 55:22) and “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
But also be ready for Jesus’ coming. Be prepared for Jesus' return, yet do not be so busy that you fail to hear the Lord. Slow down and stop worrying about every little detail. Calm down and take time to be with the Lord. Instead of rushing here and there, why not take a few minutes a day to pray and to meditate on God's Word? To listen to what He actually wants you to do? We need to learn to know what God's will is for us, and the only way to achieve this knowledge is through a relationship with our Lord and Savior -- through studying the Bible and praying and worshipping. If the only thing we do on any given day is grow a little closer to God, then God's purpose is fulfilled.
God’s will shall be done. We need to trust in the Lord and concentrate on what is most important – listening to Jesus, glorifying God, and doing His will. Above all things: Remain Focused On Jesus! Nothing should be more important than spending time with Jesus. The beauty and wonder is that when we do that most important thing – spend time with Jesus – all else falls into place in our lives.
Self Reflection Questions for Chapter 1
Pray and honestly consider the following points. Ask God to show you where you need better balance, as well as areas where you are already well balanced. Strive to always keep your relationship with God as the highest priority in your life.
· What worries me in life, and why? How can I "give my cares to the Lord"?
· Identify three key areas where I need to better prepare.
· How am I already effectively balancing worry-free living with adequate preparation?
· What am I doing or what can I start do today that will help someone else I know worry less, prepare more, and balance these two areas according to God's Word?
Copyright 2006-2007 Christina Downs