Did you know that Behavioral Science, the study of human and animal behavior, says that there are 530 types of phobia's among human societies? Phobia's are defined as, an anxiety disorder characterized by extreme and irrational fear of simple things or social situations. How many believers do you suppose fall prey to phobia's today? Although worry not a particular phobia it is based on a similar response. Worry is thoughts and images of a negative nature in which mental attempts are made to avoid anticipated potential threats, which can breed fear (Phobia) The main difference between the two are phobia's are usually long term and have a constant affect, whereas worry is generally short term and changes based upon a given situation or circumstance.
Worry is one of the greatest hindrances to faith that unfortunately way to many believers give place to in their daily lives. There is an old saying, "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen". In a similar way, if what man says, ie the media, people on the job, etc. cause believers to worry, then turn off the media excuse yourself from others and open your Bible to grow your faith!!!
In Matthew 6:19-34 Jesus deals with priorities in our lives and what we place value on. Verses 19 and 20 is not talking about monetary wealth only but anything that a person treasures or attaches great wealth or value to that will eventually perish. Jesus tells us how to fix this problem. Do not exhaust your strength or spend your days in this life on things that will perish but prepare ourselves for eternity. We are heirs of Christ and we are to possess the things of God that are not corruptible.
Verse 21-24 reveals the truth behind what we value. The worldly minded persons (believer) life reveals that his affections (that what he treasures) are of the things of the world whereas a God minded persons (believer)life reveals that his affections (that what he treasures) are on the things of God. Jesus then uses the eye to illustrate what He is talking about in the above verses. The eye regulates the motion of the body. If your eye is healthy, that is fixed on heavenly treasures then your entire life will be steady and unwavering. However, if your eye is unhealthy, that is fixed on worldly treasures, your life is confused and uncertain. Jesus uses another illustration of the necessity of storing up treasures in heaven. This is based on a natural human law. It is humanly impossible for a person to put their utmost affections, their highest regard on two things at the same time. It is humanly impossible to serve the true God of heaven and earth and be engaged with worldly treasures. Be honest with yourself right now. Do you truly and honestly place your utmost affections, your highest regard on Jesus Christ?
In Luke 14:26 "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple." Jesus really hits the nail on the head as He challenges us to put our utmost affections, our highest regard on Him and not another human being, but is it so? It take true Bible faith to do this. Why? Think of how many times we have allowed worry to fill our minds over another person especially a loved one. We some how do not make the connection with what we truly treasure and what Jesus is saying.
When we reduce worry to its lowest denominator (if that is possible) or no matter how we look at it, worry is still produced from a lack of faith in Christ and the integrity of Gods Word. Believers already have faith or they would not have experienced rebirth. The problem that many believers face is not being fully convinced that what God has promised He is able to perform. However, the good news is, we can come to a place in our lives where we become convinced that God is willing and able. This comes by do something in our lives that God has promised will build our faith. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) Schedule daily time reading, studying and especially meditating on Gods Word and our faith will grow and worry will leave.
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