Consider the Lilies

A daylily is a perennial flowering plant in the genus Hemerocallis. The name Hemerocallis comes from the Greek words (hēmera) "day" and (kalos) "beautiful". The flowers typically last no more than 24 hours. Most species open in early morning and wither during the following night.

Jesus often spoke to His disciples using examples they would understand. In the lesson below He talked about the lilies of the field as they relate to our relationship with God. The context is about being anxious. I'll bet you're no stranger to this either.

And [Jesus] said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing." (Luke 12:22-23)

Before continuing, does this strike a chord with you? Have you ever fretted over what MIGHT happen tomorrow, what you'll eat for your next meal, or what clothes you should wear? For some people these are very real concerns but for the majority of those living in the United States this is a senseless worry. Life is more than that!

Jesus continues by giving the example of ravens and lilies.

"Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them." (Luke 12:24-30)

Jesus assures His followers that God, your heavenly Father, knows your needs and just as He cares for, provides for, and sustains the birds and plants, doesn't it makes sense that He would care even more for those He values, holds of great worth and calls to be members of His family? Jesus said that these things will be provided so seek after, pursue, ran toward greater things that really matter.

"Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you." (Luke 12:31)

When you find yourself worrying over things that really don't matter in the scope of eternity, remember the more important things - loving God, loving others, and demonstrating that in word and deed daily for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom here on earth and eternity to come.