Divine providence vs. human endeavor
Scripture reading: James 2:14-26. Text: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34. Please read also the preceding verses Matthew 6:25-33. What will this New Year bring? At the present time, the international situation is not encouraging at all.
Will there be a war?
If yes, how long will it take, how many soldiers will die, what will bet he so-called “collateral damage” or civilian casualties, what will the war cost financially and how many years will it take to recover economically?
The broken hearts over the lost ones will never heal completely.
In this circumstance, is it not encouraging, reassuring and uplifting what our Lord had said? “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Does this divine statement mean that we should not be concerned, worried, and be anxious about the future?
The proper interpretation is when we see both sides equally.
Let us put our scripture reading and text of meditation next to each other and we will find that the same issue is approached from the opposite directions: “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone” and, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” James 2:24 and Matthew 6:34. Shall we be active or just relax?
The key word is context: That is, is it mentioned “out of context” OR “in context?”
In the English language we can intensify the idea of being concerned by using these words: worry, anxiety, fear (phobia) and finally paranoia (fear of persecution). Which word should we use in a given situation depends upon the person involved and the circumstances because we do no react to an event in the same way.
Let us see first when Jesus’ encouragement: “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” is quoted out of context. I feel we misuse the Bible in these cases, when:
– The rich person encourages the poor; you don’t need my help, God will take care of you.
– An atheist makes fun of a believer when he/she encounters problems.
– A lucky one enjoying safety, wishes to reassure a person beset by major troubles, such as war, natural disaster, flood, fire, hurricane, terminal illness, etc.
– An irresponsible character ridicules a conscientious and caring person.
– A professional (physician, psychologist, counselor, clergy) hopes to help by offering only this advice: “pray and God will help and/or heal of you.”
– Remember the MAD magazine’s character Alfred E. Newman’s words: “What, me worry?”
Then, how can we interpret our Lord’s promise: “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” in the proper context?
– Not counting exceptions like Exodus 14:14, God has not promised that he will do everything and we have to do absolutely nothing. The divine providence is not a quick fix, or an easy shortcut, or a panic button, or a preventive measure, or a prayer answering machine, or an emergency exit, or a guaranteed refund.
– God’s promise incorporates our wisdom, resourcefulness, courage and willingness to accept our cross. Here we should quote the well-known prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
– The Bible’s primary concern is spiritual and not physical. Not a rose garden is promised on earth but Paradise in heaven.
– Christ’s warning was intended for those extremists first of all, who wanted to be sure and accumulated wealth for many years to come, please read Luke 12:16-23.
Those who are preoccupied with putting aside material goods for tomorrow are inclined to neglect the duties of today.
– “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,” Romans 8:28. Not only prosperity proves that God loves us.
Two Biblical verses complement each other amazingly: “Cast all your anxiety on him (God) because he cares for you” and “do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.” 1 Peter 5:7 and 1 Samuel 10:7.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.