Old But Relevant

²⁷ And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
Matthew 6:27 ESV 

Teachers are taught that an important part of any lesson is making the learning relevant.  How does what is being read/studied apply to the life of the student?  When the Bible is the text, it is imperative we not forget the importance of relevance.

Today at work a situation came up which was based on a misunderstanding but caused some hurt feelings.  Because of how I came to know about the situation, I am unable to address the parties involved.  I must do what is difficult for me. . . wait.  

So that leads me another weakness. . .worry.  I replay every aspect of what took place.  I imagine the worst possible outcome.  Then I came across today's verse and almost glossed over it in my reading.  But the Spirit slowed me down.  When I personalized the verse, it turned out it was exactly what I needed.

And which of  you (meaning me) by worrying can solve the problem at work?  You know, Matthew is right.  My anxiety won't change a thing.  It won't change what happened. It won't change how the people feel.  It won't change the outcome.  What it will do is cause me to be grumpy, tired, and irritable.  Now those things can change things in a negative way.

What else could we insert in today's verse?

And which of you by being anxious can make his adult child return to the church?

And which of you by being anxious can add cause a distant spouse to be more affectionate?

And which of you by being anxious change the value of a stock portfolio? 

And which of you by being anxious can (fill in the blank)?

Today's verse is such an important verse to remember in today's uncertain world.  Angry politicians- worry won't change them.  Terrorism abounds- worry won't make the world safer.  Worry only changes the worrier and not for the best.

Have no doubt, a 2000-year old text is still relevant in 2017.