This week we’re talking about the big W…

Worry.

Generally speaking, worry isn’t good. But there are actually a few biblical passages where worry is portrayed positively.

One of them is 1 Corinthians 12:24-25 where Paul says that the various parts in the body of Christ [the church] “should have equal concern for each other.” The word translated into English as “concern” is the same word Jesus uses for “worry” in Matthew 6:25-34.

One of the things this teaches us is that some things are worth worrying about and some aren’t. We are to be worried (concerned) for the well-being and growth of other Christians, but we should not be overly worried about material things.

With this in mind, here’s something that can help you in your battle with worry.

Use a filter. When you start to worry about something, use a filter to evaluate if it’s worthwhile. Ask yourself, Is this a kingdom worry, or not?

If it’s a kingdom worry—something to do with the well-being of other Christians, or sharing Jesus’ love or truth—then it’s something to pay attention to. But if you’re just fretting about something trivial, do your best to let it go.

Worry and faith can’t both command the same brain at the same time. So use a worry filter to evaluate whether your worries are worthwhile:

Is this a kingdom worry, or not?

By Matthew Ruttan

–Unfortunately there was a problem with the livestream/video this week so you can’t watch the sermon this devotional is based on; but you can listen still listen to the audio-only here. It’s called “The opposite of worry” and is Part 4 in the Contentment series. Enjoy!
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.