“[Jesus] calls his followers to a carefree existence that mirrors the daily habits of birds. Instead of worry and anxiety, carefree spirituality should be what characterizes people who live under the rule and reign of Jesus. Many of us hear the word carefree in negative ways. . . . But what if the unhurried way . . . is actually the key to following Jesus? What if it’s possible to live responsibly while also rejecting worry?”- Rich Villodas
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”- Matthew 6:26 (NIV)
As Rich Villodas moves on in Chapter 9 of The Narrow Path, he points out that Jesus calls us to imitate the birds. Because birds never anxiously fret about the next day. Certainly, Rich stresses, we can’t ignore a problem hoping it will fix itself. Nor must we avoid the frustration and concern that accompany the problem.
However, we might counter that God equipped birds with tiny brains. Thus, birds lack the capacity to fret and worry. Then again, Rich notes, maybe Jesus intended to make this point. Therefore, Rich emphasizes:
“To live under God’s provision strips worry of its power. Perhaps we know too much. Just maybe the sparrows are onto something. . . . We can let go of our cares. We can stop our striving. Jesus places reminders of his provision all around us — in the air and in the field — so the question is, are we paying attention?”
Yet, Rich cautions, we encounter much on the broad path to disturb us. Consequently, we find ourselves:
- possessed by possessions.
- obsessed with objects.
- anxious over attainments.
Running after these things dominates our lives. A quest Jesus views as tragic. Because our heavenly Father knows what we need. Hence, we need to live under the gracious rule of God’s kingdom.
Today’s question: Do you see carefree spirituality as an unhurried way to follow Jesus? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The degree of worry – soul level”