How Much More...

This morning during staff meeting our fearless leader Andy read Jesus' words about not being anxious, or not worrying, but rather to trust that God will provide what is necessary.  Jesus talks about the birds, about how they don't store stuff up, how the flowers are beautiful without even trying.  What God has created in nature He will take care of.  The birds don't worry and the flowers don't fret.  What He has set in motion, He engages and takes care of each and every day.  And if God cares for and takes care of these created things, then "how much more" will He take care of us!

What struck me today as Andy read was that there are many parallels throughout Scripture with that same phrase, "How much more."  Specifically, what came to mind was Romans 5, where the Apostle compares our nature with Adam and Christ.  We are like Adam because we sin and die, and therefore we "feel" as though our nature is sinful because Adam sinned.  But I ask, who's image are we created in?  Are we created in the image of Adam or Christ?  Are we designed and wired to be sinful enemies of God or to be generous and loving, gracious and forgiving like God?  This, of course, is not to suggest in any way that because we are created in the image of God that we are somehow gods ourselves, or that we can become equal to God.  But rather, that we have been created to espouse His character and live in such a way which re-presents God to those who do not yet know Him.

If we are like Adam because we sin and die, then how much more are we like Christ because we are forgiven and liberated from the bondage of sin!  If the sparrows do not worry and the flowers grow into naturally beautiful creations, then how much more does God want those whom He created in His image to not worry and instead grow into beautiful expressions of His love!

Our identities, our confidence, our liberty comes not from who we relate to (Adam), but who we have been created in the image of and who we are called to re-present here on earth.  This is what it means to be participating in Kingdom priorities; that when we choose to put the priorities of heaven before the priorities of earth, we can be at peace knowing that God will ultimately take care of the details.

I sometimes forget how involved God is in everything; how He so intimately loves every part of His creation, and that we as humans are the center, the climax of creation as those created in His image.  Each one of us unique and beautiful in our own way, and together celebrating not only the diversity of God's creative nature but His abounding love for all of creation.

So do not worry, for what will worrying do to make your life better?  Instead of worrying, trust that God not only knows our needs, but loves us as His own children and wants the best for us.