The Provider
My Dad often voiced his
frustration with Christians by rolling his eyes and repeating in a mocking
tone, "the Lord will provide". To him, it was an excuse for laziness,
expecting others to hand them everything on a silver platter while they themselves
sat around indulging. This was just another reason why he did not believe in
God and thought Christians were hypocrites who use other people to get what
they want.
Woe to those of us who give that impression. The Bible clearly teaches that "those who will not work will not eat". The Word of God is replete with warnings against taking an attitude of entitlement: "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. (Proverbs 55:6-11).
While walking along the beach today, I was entertained by the pelicans circling in the air before pointing downward and dive-bombing the fish below. Interestingly, the fish did not appear magically out thin air! The pelicans still have to work for their meals even though God provides it for them.
After creating man, God placed him in a beautiful garden and put him to work in it, giving him responsibilities. We are to be diligent in our work, always acting with integrity as if working for the Lord and not for men.
Along with that principal, however, Jesus also tells us not to worry because our Heavenly Father knows our every need. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:25-27.
Whatever work the Lord has called us to, may we do so knowing that God has equipped us for every task - then trust Him, for He knows our every need.
Woe to those of us who give that impression. The Bible clearly teaches that "those who will not work will not eat". The Word of God is replete with warnings against taking an attitude of entitlement: "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. (Proverbs 55:6-11).
While walking along the beach today, I was entertained by the pelicans circling in the air before pointing downward and dive-bombing the fish below. Interestingly, the fish did not appear magically out thin air! The pelicans still have to work for their meals even though God provides it for them.
After creating man, God placed him in a beautiful garden and put him to work in it, giving him responsibilities. We are to be diligent in our work, always acting with integrity as if working for the Lord and not for men.
Along with that principal, however, Jesus also tells us not to worry because our Heavenly Father knows our every need. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:25-27.
Whatever work the Lord has called us to, may we do so knowing that God has equipped us for every task - then trust Him, for He knows our every need.
Comments
Post a Comment
Your comments are welcomed and appreciated.