Philippians 4:6–8
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with
thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are
lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there
is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Back in 1988, Bobby McFerrin’s song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” was released
and made it to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. That song may
have somewhat of a Laissez-faire attitude like the Doris Day song of “Que
Sera Sera” to it; “Whatever will be will be.”
Back somewhere in the 1 st century, the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the
church in Philippi telling the church “Don’t Worry” and be anxious for
nothing.
We do have much to be concerned about and even worry over. God tells us
in His Word we should not worry. The concern of life is a different story.
Some issues were hurting the church at Philippi. There are concerns for the
church today.
The church can focus on the negative and stagnate or it can turn the
problems over to God and follow His plan and purpose for the church. How
do we not worry? We focus on God and His purpose for our lives and the
church. I know better, but I still find myself focusing on the situation at hand
instead of God.
I have timelines I set in my mind. When they do not work I become
“Anxious” and begin to do that ugly word, “worry”. I try to not let it show but
people ask me what I am worried about. My discovery from this is when it is
over I had nothing to be worried about. Listen to God, work God’s plan,
allow others to be involved, and trust God and others.
Two things I have learned about the church. First, it is God’s church. It does
not belong to any one person. Each person in the church is important and
has a function in the body of Christ. God is to be glorified in the church. If I
make it all about me, then I take the glory away from God. Someone told
me once, “Gary, it ain’t all about you.” It is all about God and Him glorified.
The second thing I learned about the church. Whatever God has called us to
do, do it to the best of the ability God has given us. Back in my fire
department days, Lt. Turner would say, “Do your best and forget the rest.”
In the church, we are to do our best. We give our best not to be seen by
others but to glorify God.