Consider The Lilies
Consider The Lilies
“And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Matthew 6:28-29
Superficial people stress out over their image and overlook who they are inside. An essential part of following Christ is choosing to put superficial ways behind.
Jesus did not teach that clothing and physical attractiveness were irrelevant, just not paramount.
The simple question Jesus asked his disciples certainly hit them in the face as a rebuke: Why are you anxious about clothing?
The ambition to impress others, to stand out in a crowd, to make a good impression, is a universal motivation rooted in pride.
When Jesus said, consider the lilies of the field, he not only rebuked their pride, he gave them a significant kingdom principle: Only God can clothe you with true beauty, call forth your unique identify, and set you apart from others.
Notice Jesus did not choose some of the more extravagant flowers to make his point— orchids, bird of paradise, or cherry blossoms— he chose wildflowers.
You will never be moved beyond a superficial relationship with Christ until you recognize that the true, distinct identity of your personhood is found in an intimate relationship with Him.
Loving Father, today I humble myself. Forgive me for striving to make a good impression and living superficially. I am your child, my identity is found in Christ, and I love the person you have made me to be.
YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.
This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence
“And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Matthew 6:28-29
Superficial people stress out over their image and overlook who they are inside. An essential part of following Christ is choosing to put superficial ways behind.
Jesus did not teach that clothing and physical attractiveness were irrelevant, just not paramount.
The simple question Jesus asked his disciples certainly hit them in the face as a rebuke: Why are you anxious about clothing?
The ambition to impress others, to stand out in a crowd, to make a good impression, is a universal motivation rooted in pride.
When Jesus said, consider the lilies of the field, he not only rebuked their pride, he gave them a significant kingdom principle: Only God can clothe you with true beauty, call forth your unique identify, and set you apart from others.
Notice Jesus did not choose some of the more extravagant flowers to make his point— orchids, bird of paradise, or cherry blossoms— he chose wildflowers.
You will never be moved beyond a superficial relationship with Christ until you recognize that the true, distinct identity of your personhood is found in an intimate relationship with Him.
Loving Father, today I humble myself. Forgive me for striving to make a good impression and living superficially. I am your child, my identity is found in Christ, and I love the person you have made me to be.
YEAR ON FIRE
© Fred A. Hartley, III
All rights reserved
The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.
This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence
Posted in Year on Fire
No Comments