Matthew 6:28-30
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today we continue listening in to Jesus’ teaching on faith and worry in regard to our possessions. Look back over Matthew 6:19-27 remembering how Jesus has spoken to you so far in this discourse. Then read Matthew 6:28-30.
In a world of fast fashion and endless marketing, Jesus’ words seem particularly counter-cultural: “Don’t worry about your clothing.” It might even seem that Jesus is instructing us to pay no attention to our clothing choices. But as with all Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, his words are meant to take us beyond the surface down to the depths of our hearts where our motives and values live.
Take a moment to consider the amount of attention (or lack thereof) you spend on your appearance. Aiming to be as honest with yourself as possible, think about why you spend this time and what you hope to accomplish by the way you dress. This may seem shallow and awkward but give it a try and then share your thoughts openly and honestly with Jesus.
Read Matthew 6:28-30 again focusing in on what Jesus says about wildflowers.
When God created the world, flowers were part of the design. They were given vibrant colors, fragrances and delicate details that delight the senses. Our desire for beauty is deeply woven into us because we are created in God’s image. Beauty is good, but in a world gone wrong we can easily develop an unhealthy focus on our image and appearance and become worried or anxious when our appearance doesn’t meet our (or someone else’s) expectations.
In this passage, Jesus clearly articulates the key to faith when it comes to our appearance: God cares. God cares about beauty, but even more than that, God cares about you.
Stop to consider how you might think differently about the way you dress or the way you look if you were continually conscious of God’s extravagant love and care for you.
Now get quiet and listen to Jesus. As thoughts come, notice them, and turn them over to Jesus.
If at any point you sense that Jesus is prompting you to do something, or do something differently, write it down and plan to move in that direction today.
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