Anxiety or Peace?

Jesus stated a simple but profound truth: “You cannot serve God and mammon” Matthew 6:24b). The term mammon comes from the Aramaic root meaning “that in which one trusts.” It personifies wealth and sets it over against God. In other words, Jesus asks, “Who do you trust, God or wealth?” The one you trust is the one you serve. You cannot serve both, for serving demands love and devotion. The test of your devotion comes in verse 25: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life.”  

The term, anxious, appears 6 times (the number of man) in the passage (vv. 25–34). Luke 10 provides an apt illustration of the problem. Martha complained to Jesus about Mary's inattention to preparation details for entertaining Jesus and His disciples. Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving” (vv. 39, 40). The Lord responded, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (vv. 41, 42).

Perhaps I am presuming, but knowing many women who love to entertain, there is a certain pride one exhibits in impressing guests with the quality of one’s food and the serving to those who enjoy it. Was Martha exhibiting this pride? The nature of the Lord’s gentle rebuke would suggest as much. Jesus plainly states, “One thing is necessary,” and that thing is loving devotion to Christ. True loving devotion is exemplified by Mary whose priority was Jesus Himself. Martha’s priority was impressing Jesus with her service. How many Christians mimic Mary, and how many mimic Martha? Jesus identified Martha as “anxious and troubled about many things.”

The evidence that one serves mammon is anxiety. This is exactly what Jesus explains in the text before us. “Therefore” joins the two concepts. If one serves God, he must not be anxious about his life. If one is anxious about his life, he serves the god, Mammon. One cannot interpret this otherwise. Martha welcomed the Lord into her home. However, her care (anxiety) was not for Christ and His welfare, but for her “things,” things that had to do with her life.

Jesus defines the things one is not to be anxious for—“what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on” (v. 25). Food and clothing are metaphors for the necessities of life. Why should these things not concern us? Three clear reasons: First, life is more than these things. Indeed, the Gentiles seek the security of mammon, but Christ-followers “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (v. 33). Second, mammon-seekers have little faith in God’s care and provision. The Lord promises that “all these things will be added to you” (v. 33b). Finally, the care for mammon never ends. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (v. 34).

Paul reflects the Lord in Philippians: “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:5–7). Examine your life. Is it characterized by anxiety or the peace that passes all understanding?